Join Raíces Latino Arts and Hispanic Federation for a two-day community initiative filled with creative expression, connection, and joy — centering LGBTQ+ voices and experiences.
Both events are free and open to the public — registration is required!
Presente & Proud: Healing Through Expression
A free workshop that centers the intersections of the Latine experience through creative expression and joy!
Guided by Nadia Garzón, Founder and Executive Director of Descolonizarte TEATRO, this workshop uses theater principles and nonviolent communication to invite participants to share, connect, laugh together, and heal in community —creating a space for a desahogo colectivo — shared emotional release — framed in joy.
No experience necessary—just bring your whole self.
Free & open to Latine LGBTQ+ and allied community members.
Nadia Garzón is the Founder and Executive Director of Descolonizarte TEATRO, a professional Latinx theater organization that centers Latinx, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ identities and their intersections. Her work focuses on Latin American theater with an emphasis on theater for social change and the use of theater as a tool for decolonization and resistance. Her work is influenced by her activism and at the core of what she does is the belief that our bodies are crucial for empathy, connection, knowledge, and healing. Her work relies on practices such as Nonviolent Communication (N.V.C.) and Theater of the Oppressed (T.O). Garzón has worked in the United States as well as in several countries abroad including Guatemala, Brazil, Nicaragua, Australia, Colombia, and Mexico. Garzón is a Latina, immigrant, queer, and feminist woman of color. She is also a Theater and Humanities professor at Rollins College and Valencia College.
Presente & Proud: Panel + Celebration
A dynamic evening amplifying the powerful voices and contributions of Latine LGBTQ+ leaders during Charlotte Pride weekend. This community gathering features panelists:
• Andrea Montañez (National LGBTQ Task Force)
• Tania Jimenez (Asheboro Latinx Services)
• Daniel Valdez (Charlotte Pride)
Moderated by Gina Esquivel (CEO, Civic Canvas), the dialogue will explore current challenges and opportunities, resilience, action-taking, and belonging.
Then, celebrate with beats by DJ Extraa, bringing the energy and rhythm of our community.
Free drinks & light bites
Raíces Latino Arts 