Somos Estrellas Honorees
This year we are proud to honor individuals and organization that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in the San Fernando Valley
CA State Senator, 20th District Caroline Menjivar
Senator Caroline Menjivar represents California’s 20th District, Burbank and the San Fernando Valley, the communities where she was born and raised. Prior to becoming State Senator, she served in the Marine Corps from 2009 to 2016. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was a military policy until 2011, during which time Senator Menjivar was already in a relationship with her now wife. After active duty, she completed her undergraduate degree at CSUN and attained a Master of Social Welfare from UCLA. She previously volunteered on the Board of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, supporting programs for safe and inclusive schools in Los Angeles. Today, Senator Menjivar is Chair of Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services and a Commissioner for the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Because of her lived experiences, and the stories of those she has met, Senator Menjivar is grateful for the opportunity to fight for equality as a legislator and to increase visibility of LGBTQ+ folks in Senate District 20 through her annual San Fernando Valley Pride in partnership with Somos Familia Valle.
SOMOSLOUD
Community Partner Honoree
Founded in 2013, Latino Outreach & Understanding Division leverages culturally relevant marketing to drive behavioral change and uplift Latinx/e/o communities internationally. Powered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, we take direct action to fight HIV/AIDS while supporting critical Latinx/e/o issues. Our 3 pillars include Educate: Through culturally relevant information and resources to live healthier lifestyles. Motivate: Through providing support and a platform to have our voices heard. Advocate: Through campaigns that empower and encourage individuals to take-action for the betterment of our community.
Elektra LaKill
Entertainer Honoree
Elektra LaKill is a proud Trans Latina drag queen and activist from Los Angeles. She works with queer organizations to create queer inclusive events, provide outreach and resources, and uplift the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community. You can expect an Elektra show to have a ton of high energy, movement, and latine influence in every performance. She aims to entertain and take space as a Trans performer.
Ethan Molina
Youth Honoree
Ethan Molina is an Indigi-queer Chicano from Pacoima. They started organizing with Somos Familia Valle in middle school and became a youth leader. They learned how to do public speaking, networking, committee work, and more. Today they work on improving the community that surrounds them. A big focus is the surrounding Indigenous communities and LGBTQ2S+ folx. At CSUN, they are the president of the American Indian Association, and off-campus they work with the GSA network and run the Two Spirit Initiative affinity space. They hope to create more safe spaces for QTBIPOC and contribute more resources to their communities.
