A Vibrant Celebration Uniting Communities Through Diversity and the Advocacy of Love
When I arrived in Madison in 2014, I was struck by the city’s vibrant energy and strong sense of community. One of my first goals was to find ways to connect socially and professionally, so I volunteered for a year to build relationships and give back to my new home. Professor Alfonso Morales from the UW School of Sociology introduced me to Centro Hispano, where I became involved in the Mercadito pilot project, igniting my passion for creating spaces that foster inclusion and collaboration.
Through my early volunteer work, I met incredible people who shared their personal struggles and triumphs as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their resilience deeply moved me, inspiring me to take action and advocate for those who often cannot raise their own voices. This became my driving force to work toward creating safe and welcoming spaces for all—a mission I continue to embrace today. As a mentor once told me, “Change begins when we listen to the voices that challenge us the most.”
The Meaning of “Love is Love”
For me, UnityPoint Health – Meriter Foundation’s “Love is Love” event represents more than just a celebration; it is a powerful statement of diversity, inclusion, and love in all its forms. It is a space where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel accepted and valued. This event serves as a living reminder of the importance of equality and mutual respect.
The upcoming “Love is Love” event on February 15 promises to be an unforgettable night filled with joy, connection, and celebration. The event will be held at the Overture Center for the Arts, bringing together people from all walks of life.
Attendees Can Expect:
- Live Performances – Singer Katch Gray and the disco band V05 will set the stage with electrifying music.
- Drag Shows – Local drag queens, including Krystal Gaga, Amethyst VonTrollenberg, and others, will dazzle and entertain.
- Dancing & Music – DJ Cover Gurrl will keep the energy high with music that invites everyone to the dance floor.
- Light Appetizers & Bar – Enjoy decadent desserts and a cash bar.
- Heartfelt Program – A special program in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language will highlight the night’s impact, featuring the story of a former UnityPoint Health – Meriter Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) patient.
Most importantly, every dollar raised during the event will directly support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth in the community. These funds provide vital resources such as support groups, art and music therapy, and access to affirming healthcare at UnityPoint Health – Meriter’s CAP program.
As the event program emphasizes, “When we support mental health, we’re not just saving lives—we’re building futures.”
Connecting Communities and Supporting Mental Health
One of the most exciting aspects of the evening is the combination of performances, music, and storytelling, all of which foster a sense of unity and celebration. Events like this not only uplift the LGBTQ+ community but also help build bridges between diverse groups.
For me, the true power of this event lies in its ability to foster connections. As one previous attendee beautifully put it, “This event doesn’t just celebrate love—it redefines what it means to love inclusively.”
The event’s focus on supporting LGBTQ+ youth mental health is particularly urgent. According to The Trevor Project, many LGBTQ+ youth face alarmingly high rates of mental health challenges due to discrimination, rejection, and isolation. At times, half of the patients at CAP identify as LGBTQ+, underscoring the critical need for programs that address their unique needs. By providing safe spaces and resources, the “Love is Love” initiative offers hope and healing to young people who may feel isolated or unsupported.
Empowering Allies in the Latinx Community
For the Latinx community, events like “Love is Love” are vital in fostering visibility and solidarity. As the fastest-growing demographic in Dane County, Latinx individuals are shaping Madison’s cultural and social landscape. By participating in inclusive celebrations, we can amplify our stories and show support for all members of our community, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
As an ally, I have often drawn inspiration from the words of a community leader:
“To stand with others is to stand for yourself—our liberation is interconnected.”
It is crucial for open-minded allies from the Latinx community to attend and support initiatives like this. Their presence not only strengthens the event but also sends a powerful message of unity and understanding. Together, we can build bridges between communities and promote mutual respect.
A Message to LGBTQ+ Youth
To LGBTQ+ youth who may feel isolated, I want to share a message that has stayed with me since my time at Centro Hispano. Written on one of the walls of their old building was a phrase from a poem in Lak’ech, a Mayan philosophy:
“Yo te veo, tú eres mi otro yo.” (“I see you, you are my other self.”)
This message is a reminder that you are not alone. There is a community that sees you, values you, and supports you on your journey. Whatever challenges you face, know that you are not walking this path alone.
A Call to Action
To anyone on the fence about attending or supporting the “Love is Love” event, I encourage you to take a chance and see how you can contribute. As a volunteer once told me, “Sometimes, the simple act of showing up can change a life.”
This is more than just an evening of entertainment; it’s an opportunity to unite as a community and make a meaningful impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
You can help in many ways:
✅ Spread the Word – Share the event with friends, family, and on social media. [Click here to share the event.]
✅ Partner with Local Businesses – Collaborations can amplify the event’s reach and impact.
✅ Donate – Even if you can’t attend, every contribution counts. [Click here to donate.]
✅ Share Your Experience – After the event, post photos, videos, and testimonials to inspire others to get involved in the future.
The “Love is Love” event is a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and love in all its forms. Together, we can create a brighter future for LGBTQ+ youth and strengthen our community in ways that matter most.
Why not join us and see how you can make a difference? Let’s celebrate love, unity, and the power of community.
As the event’s tagline reminds us:
“Love is love, and love is for everyone.”
