SYNOPSIS

Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU) was founded in 1981,

only a dozen years after the Stonewall rebellion and only a couple of years before the HIV/AIDS pandemic began to ravage LGBTQ communities. GLLU was the greater Los Angeles area’s first major Queer Latin@ organization, and the film chronicles events surrounding GLLU at a pivotal time in the history of LGBTQ equality, women’s rights, and civil rights movements that shaped the destinies of

GLLU’s communities for decades to come.

Documentary: Unidad: Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos

Unidad: Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos is a documentary that chronicles the history and impact of the Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU) organization, founded in 1981 in Los Angeles. The film explores GLLU's role in advocating for LGBTQ+ Latino rights during a pivotal era marked by the HIV/AIDS crisis and significant civil rights movements.

Production Team:

• Director and Producer: Gregorio Davila

• Executive Producer: Roland Palencia

• Producer: Mario J. Novoa

Awards and Nominations: In June 2024, the documentary received first-place honors in the "Gender and Society Reporting" category at the 66th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club.

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Where to Watch: The documentary is available for streaming on PBS platforms, including the official PBS website and the PBS app.

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Unidad: Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos features interviews with several key figures who were instrumental in the founding and activities of the Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU) organization. The documentary includes personal narratives and insights from the following individuals:

• Laura Esquivel: A founding member of GLLU, Esquivel shares her experiences and the challenges faced during the organization's early days.

• David Gonzales: An active participant in GLLU's initiatives, Gonzales discusses the group's impact on the LGBTQ+ Latino community in Los Angeles.

• Rita Gonzales: Providing a personal perspective, Gonzales reflects on the social and political climate during GLLU's operation and its significance.

• Lydia Otero: Otero offers historical context and discusses the broader implications of GLLU's activism within the civil rights movements.

• Geneva Fernandez: Fernandez contributes insights into the cultural events and community outreach programs organized by GLLU.

• Louis Jacinto: As a documentarian of the era, Jacinto shares visual archives and stories from GLLU's events and protests.

• Veronica Flores: Flores discusses her involvement in GLLU's health initiatives, particularly during the HIV/AIDS crisis.

• Roland Palencia: Serving as the executive producer of the documentary and a former GLLU member, Palencia provides an overview of the organization's legacy and its lasting impact on subsequent LGBTQ+ Latino advocacy groups.

These individuals, among others, offer a comprehensive look into GLLU's formation, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting the organization's pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQ+ Latino rights during a transformative period in Los Angeles.