www.ambiente.us  JUNE / JUNIO 2008

Marcha por la diversidad sexual en vecindario mexicano

Chicago, IL ...  La "Marcha por la diversidad sexual" tomara lugar por
primera vez en su historia de 12 años en el vecindario de Pilsen, el
cual es predominantemente mexicano. Esta marcha, conocida en
ingles como "Dyke* March Chicago" ocurre cada año en el vecindario
de Andersonville, al norte de la ciudad.

Es un evento donde se celebra a mujeres que aman a otras mujeres,
personas transgeneras, y en general la diversidad sexual. Aunque
toma lugar durante las celebraciones de junio de orgullo gay, es
diferente al desfile y a otros eventos al ser especificamente una
marcha en contra de la comercializacion, una movilizacion politica,
y con un enfoque en mujeres.

El cambio de vecindario es parte de un esfuerzo para crear espacios seguros, y de visibilidad a traves de la
ciudad. En el futuro la marcha tomara lugar en otras partes de Chicago, los cuales se desidiran a traves de
juntas comunitarias entre residentes de diversos vecindarios, y la comunidad gay, lesbica, bisexual,
transgenera y queer (LGBTQ) involucrada con la marcha.

Se escogio Pilsen como el primer vecindario para tener la marcha en parte por la historia de trabajo que
existe de parte de la comunidad gay en el area, lo cual a dado evidencia al apoyo comunitario e institucional
hacia esta comunidad. Por ejemplo la fiesta estudiantil anual "Queer Prom" ocurre en el National Museum of
Mexican Art desde el 2006.

Aparte, a traves del activismo hecho para organizar la marcha pro-derechos de inmigrantes el primero de
mayo, se han creado mas redes de colaboracion entre aquellos que trabajan con comunidades
inmigrantes, y la comunidad gay inmigrante, y no inmigrante. Las organizadoras, algunas de quienes son
residentes de Pilsen y activistas comunitarias, consideran Pilsen un buen espacio para comenzar
conversaciones sobre identidad, comunidad, y sexualidad.

La Marcha por la diversidad sexual tomara lugar el Sabado 28 de junio del 2008. Los participantes se
reuniran a la 1:00 PM en el 1800 S. Halsted (Chicago Community Bank Park), y la marcha comenzara a las 2:
30 PM. La ruta seguira por la calle 18, hasta el Parque Harrison (1824 S. Wood).

Se invita a todos, incluyendo a los aliados a la comunidad.

Para mas informacion puede mandar un e-mail a dykemarchchicago@gmail.com o visitar http://www.
myspace. com/dykemarchchicago

* Una nota sobre la terminologia: Por favor note que en ingles, la palabra "dyke", es un termino que tiene una
historia de ser peyorativo hacia las mujeres parte de la comunidad LGBTQ. Sin embargo, asi como la
recuperacion de la palabra Chicano de un termino negativo, a una identidad, la palabra "dyke" se usa entre
algunas personas LGBTQ para definir a mujeres que tienen relaciones con otras mujeres, con
connotaciones de autonomia y poder. Sin embargo, por que no hay una traduccion para este termino en
español, se decidio el mensaje seria mejor comunicado con el nombre "Marcha por la diversidad sexual".

Chicago Dyke March, o Marcha por la diversidad sexual es una movilizacion popular y una celebracion de la
resistencia lesbica, gay, y transgenero. Es un esfuerzo organizado por voluntarios.

Contactos:
Rosa Yadira Ortiz, (312) 287-5644
Cynthia Ibarra, (773) 344-4984
Garnetta Clark, (312) 823-4026
Tania Unzueta, (773) 387-3186

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Mexican neighborhood to host Dyke March

Chicago, IL (May 14, 2008) - For the first time in the 12 year history of Dyke* March Chicago (DMC), it will move
from Andersonville to the predominantly Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen, in an effort to mobilize communities
across the city.

DMC has a history of being different from other pride celebrations that traditionally occur in the month of June,
as it has a stated purpose of being “a direct response to male dominated, corporate sponsored  events
as well as being a grassroots, volunteer-led march.

The location change occurs after a series of community meetings and events addressing the need for more
spaces for LGBTQ (lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer) people, particularly women and
transgender people of color, in communities throughout the city.

Pilsen was chosen as the first neighborhood to hold DMC because it has a history of mobilization by the
LGBTQ community and support from community institutions and organizations. In 2006 Radio Arte held the
first prom for LGBTQ youth, also the same year that the National Museum of Mexican Art held a celebration for
Latino athletes who participated in the Gay Games VII. The organizers, some of whom are residents and
activists in Pilsen, feel that it is a good space to begin conversations about identity, community, and sexuality.

In future years DMC will be held in various neighborhoods around the city in upcoming years. The location will
be discussed amongst community members through forums, as it was this year.

DMC will take place on Saturday June 28th, 2008. Gathering begins at 1:00 PM at 1800 South Halsted
(Chicago Community Bank Park), and step off is at 2:30 PM. Attendees will then march down 18th street to
rally at Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood).

All people, including allies to the community, are encouraged to attend.

For more information e-mail dykemarchchicago@gmail.com, or visit http://www.myspace.com/dykemarchchi
cago.

* A note on terminology: Please note that the word "dyke" has a history of being a pejorative term, and may be
perceived as offensive by some. At Dyke March however, we also are aware of the power of reclaiming terms
that have been used against us. Dyke March choses to use the word "dyke"as a politicized, empowering and
reclaimed word, and as an umbrella term for women who have relationships with other women, exclusively or
not.

Chicago Dyke March is a grassroots mobilization and celebration of dyke, queer, and transgender resilience.
It is an anti-racist, anti-violent, volunteer-led, grassroots effort with a goal to bridge together communities
across race, class, age, size, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, culture, immigrant status, spirituality, and ability.

Contacts:
Rosa Yadira Ortiz, (312) 287-5644
Cynthia Ibarra, (773) 344-4984
Garnetta Clark, (312) 823-4026
Tania Unzueta, (773) 387-3186

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