New radio ads designed to reach out to Latino communities about the freedom to marry hit Oregon airwaves this week. The ad campaign also highlights the strong relationship between two statewide, grassroots organizations: Basic Rights Oregon, which advocates for gay and transgender rights, and CAUSA, which advocates for immigrant rights.
The ads, which will run on Spanish-language radio in the Portland region for four weeks, tell the stories of Latino families coming to terms with having a gay child, and underscore the importance of family supporting each other. You can listen to the ad (in Spanish) here: [display_podcast]
Excerpt from one ad (translated to English):
Every gay person is part of someone’s family. As a Latina, I believe in loving my neighbor, in treating others as we would like to be treated, and in never turning our backs on family.
Marriage has brought so much happiness to my life. And I wouldn’t want any member of anyone’s family—gay or straight—to be denied that chance at happiness.
“Regardless of the language you speak and whether you are gay or straight, marriage is about love, family and commitment,” said Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of CAUSA. “We hope these radio ads spark conversations within Hispanic communities and households about why marriage matters, and that our deepening partnership with Basic Rights Oregon will advance human rights for all Oregonians.”
As the ads begin airing, CAUSA is coordinating community briefings in the Latino community and has expanded its community education program to generate dialogue in the Latino community about the freedom to marry and the experiences of gay and transgender families.
“Basic Rights Oregon and CAUSA have a rich history of working together to advance human rights and democracy in Oregon,” said Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. “We have spent years united to defend our communities from attacks on our human rights. Together, we are stronger.”
Additionally, Basic Rights Oregon has a leadership program for gay, transgender and straight allies of color which will launch a public education campaign called Our Families this Fall. Our Families seeks to raise visibility and public support of gay and transgender families of color through storytelling, media tools and educational events.
“We know that strong families are essential to strong communities. Our Families is focused on honoring gay and transgender families of color and their experiences, struggles and resiliency,” Jessica Lee, Basic Rights Oregon Racial Justice Program Manager.
Listen to a radio spot at:
http://www.lovecommitmentmarriage.org/blog/spanish-radio-ads-highlight-why-marriage-matters
