La Lucha - Latino Gay Pride begins tomorrow

It seems the gay high holidays are officially upon us. Tomorrow begins some events, brunches and celebrations caliente with 2010’s La Lucha – Latino Gay Pride week. As you can see, last year was a blast, and I’m sure this year’s parties at Boxxes and the Jupiter Hotel will be equally filled with hip-swinging, Mexican wrestler masking wearing, rainbow orgullo y divertido. Here’s a schedule of heritage happiness.

UPDATED SCHEDULE

Voz Alta, Wednesday, June 2, 6pm – 9pm

Miracle Theatre, 525 SE Stark, Portland OR

Voz Alta or “loud voice” kicked-off the 2009 Portland Latino Gay Pride Celebration. Partnering with Miracle Theatre, approximately 100 individuals enjoyed an evening of poetry, song, dance, and dramatic performances.  For La Lucha 2010, be prepared for another powerful presentation of music, drama, and song. Suggested Donation: $5.00

Literary Event: Featuring Charlie Vázquez & Charles Rice-González

Thursday, June 3, 6:30pm – 9pm

Aura Restaurant + Lounge, 1022 W Burnside, Portland OR

Straight from New York City … Charlie Vázquez is a radical Bronx-bred writer and literary event organizer of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent. Charles Rice-González was born in Puerto Rico and reared in the Bronx and is a writer, long-time community and LGBT activist, and Executive Director of BAAD! (The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance). Charles Rice-González reads from Chulito (Alyson, 2010) a novel about a tough, sexy hip hop-loving, young Latino man coming out and coming of age in the South Bronx. Charlie Vázquez reads from Contraband: A Revolution of the Soul (Rebel Satori, 2010), a novel about a secretive government worker who escapes to underground tunnel communities during a bloody revolution/civil war in the United States. Local Portland Writers will also be a part of this special evening. Suggested Donation: $5.00

Book Reading & Signing: Featuring Charlie Vázquez & Charles Rice-González

Friday, June 4, (tentative) 3pm

Portland State University

Charles Rice-González reads from Chulito (Alyson, 2010) a novel about a tough, sexy hip hop-loving, young Latino man coming out and coming of age in the South Bronx. Charlie Vázquez reads from Contraband: A Revolution of the Soul (Rebel Satori, 2010), a novel about a secretive government worker who escapes to underground tunnel communities during a bloody revolution/civil war in the United States. FREE

La Lucha Dance Party, Friday, June 4,

7pm VIP Reception, 9pm Doors Open

Boxxes, 1035 SW Stark, Portland OR

Last year, a night of dancing, music and fun was had by over 300 attendees. For La Lucha 2010 we will have more surprises and fun in store, the dance floor will be “caliente” and there will be lots of Papis and Chicas celebrating all night long. Door Charge (starting 9pm): $5.00

American Sueño, Miracle Theatre, Friday, June 4, 8pm

Miracle Theatre, 525 SE Stark, Portland OR

American Sueño shares the stories of four marginalized individuals in search of their version of the American Dream: A closeted gay musician, his sister, a drag performer, and a homeless person. To realize their dreams, they each must decide, “What am I willing to sacrifice in order to make my American Dream a reality?” Ticket Price: General Admission/$20.00, Students/$15.00. Go to www.milagro.org to purchase

Chicas Who Brunch, Saturday, June 5, 11am – 1pm

Jupiter Hotel Courtyard, 800 East Burnside, Portland OR

This special brunch is open to everyone and is an opportunity to focus the attention on LGTBQ Latinas, their experiences and contributions.  A combination of networking and sharing takes place. In addition, the 2010 Mariposa Award recipients will be recognized. This is a great way to celebrate las Latinas in our lives. Ticket Price: $25.00

Voces de la Juventud (Youth Voices), Saturday, June 5

3pm – 5pm,  Room 327, Smith Memorial Student Union, Portland State University

Special guest authors Charlie Vázquez and Charles Rice-González,will educate, entertain, and inspire young people to use their voice in expressing themselves. Through Spoken-word, Original Poetry, and Story-telling, youth will explore and learn the power of their Own Voice. FREE

Portland Latino Gay Pride Festival, Sunday, June 6, 4pm – 8pm

Jupiter Hotel, 800 East Burnside, Portland OR

The closing event for Portland Latino Gay Pride is the annual Festival held at Jupiter Hotel. Last year, close to 600 individuals attended.  Get ready for an amazing La Lucha 2010 Festival, local and national entertainers and artists will perform and the 2010 Mariposa Award recipients will be recognized. The festival is a 21 and over event. Suggested Donation: $5.00

For more information and to find out how you can be involved contact David Martinez  at (503) 307-9143 or email at latinogaypridepdx@yahoo.com