A Historic Moment for LULAC: LGBTQ+ Members Officially Represented in the LULAC Constitution

At the 2026 National Convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), delegates from across the United States came together to make history. During the National Assembly, delegates approved by the required 2/3 vote a constitutional amendment formally recognizing LGBTQ+ members through the creation of Vice President of LGBTQ Affairs positions at the national, state, and local council levels. The action took place during the 2026 LULAC National Convention in Fort Worth, Texas.

For many members, this vote represents more than a constitutional amendment. It is a declaration that LGBTQ+ Latinos are, and have always been, an essential part of the LULAC family.

This victory comes after years of advocacy, dialogue, and organizing by LGBTQ+ members and allies who believed that representation within the organization should reflect the diversity of the Latino community itself. While LULAC has previously supported LGBTQ-focused initiatives and maintained LGBTQ Affairs programming, this action elevates LGBTQ representation into the organization's formal leadership structure and governance.

Today, LULAC chose unity.

Today, LULAC chose belonging.

Today, LULAC chose justice.

Adding to the significance of this historic convention, members of the LULAC LGBTQ Committee were honored to receive an official resolution presented by Texas State Representative Terry Meza recognizing the groundbreaking contributions and historic impact of the first LGBTQ LULAC council, LULAC 4871, the Dallas Rainbow Council. The council has long served as a pioneering voice fostering dialogue and partnership between Latino and LGBTQ+ communities in Texas and across the nation.

The recognition by Representative Meza and members of the Texas Legislature served as a powerful reminder that the progress achieved today is built upon decades of dedication, courage, and advocacy by LGBTQ+ Latinos who refused to accept invisibility. Their efforts helped pave the way for greater inclusion within both the Latino civil rights movement and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Receiving this recognition during the same convention in which delegates voted to formally establish LGBTQ Affairs leadership positions throughout LULAC made the moment especially meaningful. It connected the organization's past struggles for inclusion with its future commitment to representation and belonging.

For decades, LGBTQ+ Latinos have contributed to LULAC's mission as organizers, advocates, volunteers, leaders, and members. This historic vote does not create our place within the organization. Rather, it recognizes the place we have always held and ensures that future generations of LGBTQ+ Latinos will have a voice within the leadership structure of LULAC.

The creation of LGBTQ Affairs leadership positions at every level of the organization sends a clear message that LGBTQ+ Latinos deserve a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the future of the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization.

For many LGBTQ+ members, this moment is deeply personal. It is the recognition of years of service, dedication, and commitment to advancing educational opportunity, civil rights, economic empowerment, and civic participation for Latino communities across the nation. It is an affirmation that no member should ever have to choose between their Latino identity and their LGBTQ+ identity.

As LULAC moves forward, this milestone provides an opportunity to strengthen the organization's mission by ensuring that all Latino communities are represented, heard, and empowered. The work of building a more inclusive future does not end with a vote, but this historic action marks an important step toward ensuring that every member can fully participate in the movement.

We extend our gratitude to the delegates, leaders, advocates, allies, and members who supported this effort and helped make this day possible. Your courage, persistence, and belief in a more inclusive LULAC have helped shape the future of our organization.

This is a day that will be remembered in LULAC history.

Today, we celebrate not only a constitutional amendment, but a reaffirmation of the values that unite us: dignity, respect, equality, and family.

Together, we move forward as one LULAC.

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About Virginia LULAC

Virginia LULAC is the state chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

Contact:

virginialulacofficial@gmail.com | valulac.org