We are fortunate they are in our community.
2012 Mariposa Award Recipients:
Ernesto Dominguez
Ernesto is a youth advocate and strong supporter of LGBT youth empowerment. Through his years of work in the public, non-profit, and private sector he has worked to make sure all youth have access to complete and correct information about their sexual health. Currently he works with 8 local and national organizations that work to address issues of inequality in the GLBT youth community
As a queer undocumented Latino youth, Ernesto struggled with many aspects of coming out to his communities, because of this experience Ernesto has worked tirelessly on increasing the visibility of queer Latino youth across the US with a strong focus on identifying the unique needs of undocumented youth. Ernesto was selected as one of this year’s honorees of the “40 under 40″ award by the Advocate magazine. He was also awarded the Paul A. Anderson award for leadership by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and was selected as one of four scholars by the National Human Rights Campaign.
Arnoldo Jaramillo
Arnoldo works for Multnomah County Juvenile Department. He has been an employee for 15 years as a Juvenile Custody Service Specialist (JCSS). He has been a member of Multnomah County Juvenile Dept.’s Cultural Diversity Committee (CDC) for the last 10 years (2 years as Chair) and a member of Multnomah County Employee Resource Group (ERG), Prism. Prism is an ERG focusing on ensuring equity and inclusion for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) County employees.
Arnoldo is dedicated to his work with youth and consistently gives back to his community. He is highly respected by his peers and they enjoy working with him. The youth respect Arnoldo and enjoy having him work on their unit. One youth said, “He understands us and is easy going. He is like a mentor to me.” Another youth said, “te escucha cuando tienes aigo que decir y te da un consejo” (exact words from youth due to I do not speak Spanish). Arnoldo is a strong role model and sets a great example for the kids and for his coworkers.
Aeryca Steinbauer
Aeryca has nearly a decade of experience working with immigrant and LGBT communities in Oregon. She has played many roles in the immigrant rights movement in Oregon, including working for PCUN’s Service Center for Farmworkers, and coordinating Causa from 2005-2008. Aeryca also worked on the production team “Papers,” a feature-length film that tells the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face at they turn 18 without legal status. In 2010, she played a leadership role in launching Causa’s LGBT Alliance Building program. Aeryca is passionate about building alliances across movements, particularly within and between immigrant and LGBT communities.
Nomination: OYE: Opciones y Educación
OYE has been serving the Latino community and beyond since 2009. This group of volunteers, health educators, community health workers, and community activists is doing what no one school, religious organization, or non-profit can do — bringing inclusive sexuality education to the Latino community in Multnomah County. OYE’s mission to improve the sexual health of Latino community members is rooted in their commitment to addressing homophobia and gender norms via a scientifically accurate sexual health curriculum. They have responded to a real need to reduce HIV and other sexual health-related disparities via a grassroots, community-lead initiative to create a culture of acceptance, empowerment and body-positive sexual health for all Latinos in the community. They are committed to social justice and addressing a long-standing health issue in our communities.
2011 Mariposa Award Recipients:
Lo Nuestro Ballet Floklorico, Director: Manuel Ramos
The Ballet Folklorico “Lo Nuestro,” is a Mexican folk dancing group comprised of elementary, middle, high school students, and community members from the Forest Grove School District. A featured performer, since the first Portland Latino Gay Pride Celebration, “Lo Nuestro” brings pride, culture, and joy to all their audiences.
Pride NW, President: Debra Porta
Organizers of Portland’s LGBTQ Pride Parade and Festival; Pride NW, annually creates welcoming and celebratory events that bring community members together. They are committed to outreach and supporting other Pride Celebrations including, Latino, API, and Black Gay Prides. Made up of a dedicated Board and Staff, their hard work is greatly appreciated.
Miss Latin Look International Pageants, Producer: David Zambrano
Mr. Zambrano is the founder and producer of the Miss Latin Look International Pageants. The Oregon Latin Look Pageant has been held for the past 14 years and Latin Look Pageant for 6 years. The pageants receive national and international acclaim. Mr. Zambrano provides pageant hopefuls an opportunity to express themselves, show their beauty and talents.
Just Out News Magazine, Editor: Marty Davis
Serving the LGBTQ community for 28 years, Just Out is a free newspaper, available throughout Oregon and SW Washington. They cover local, regional, and national issues important to the community. Just Out is a valuable community resource and has a dedicated staff committed to keeping their readers informed and connected.
2010 Mariposa Award Recipients:
Lupita Mendez, Bradley Angel House Maricela Berumen, Cascade Aids Project Carlos Quezada (aka Meesha Peru) Salvador Candela, Community Volunteer Morel Inc. (Formerly Witham & Dickey) Printer Services Umatilla Morrow Alternatives
2009 Mariposa Award Honorees:
Laura Calvo Melanie Davis, El Hispanic News Mo Kenny, Pride Project WA County Allan Oliver, Onda Gallery Miracle Theatre Group
2008 Mariposa Award Recipients:
Tim Bias, Farmers Insurance & RCSA; Michael Long, PABA; Scott Montes, Portland & Lesbian Gay Yellow Pages; Al Munguia, Jupiter Hotel; Chicos Latino, Cascade Aids Project; Portland Gay Men’s Chorus; Multnomah County Commissioners Maria Rojo de Steffey, Lisa Naito, and Serena Cruz; Consuelo Saragoza, Health Department; and Gemma Tornero, Graphic Designer
