A new community initiative in North Texas is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for queer women of color. This group, named Ladies Love Us, was established in May by co-founders Yoly Rojas and Domenick Flores, focusing on building a supportive network for BIPOC lesbians in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Identity and Community
During a recent meeting at a Dallas restaurant, Rojas, Flores, and member Magge Nuñez discussed their experiences as queer Latinas in Texas. “I just didn’t see people that looked like me or felt like me in that lifestyle,” Rojas shared in an interview with CBS News Texas. She pointed out the lack of representation of Latina lesbians on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Nuñez, also a DJ for the group, added, “Growing up, it has felt honestly like a taboo topic, that people don’t really want to talk to. A lot of the lesbian bars really curate for white folks.”
Addressing a Gap in Representation
Originating from Chicago, Rojas and Flores recognized a significant absence of lesbian-friendly spaces while exploring their new community. Observing the lack of representation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they felt compelled to take action. “In the gay community, we’ve always had to do it under the table and support each other on the low,” Flores stated. He emphasized the need for a safe haven for their community, underscoring the vision of Ladies Love Us to fill that void.
A Multifaceted Movement
The organization organizes a variety of events, from bingo nights to daytime gatherings, primarily at queer-owned venues. These occasions feature local queer DJs, including Nuñez. For members of Ladies Love Us, the group represents more than just a social circle; it signifies a collective effort towards community empowerment, belonging, and increased visibility. “As a mixture of both—a queer person and a Salvadorian person—it’s really hard to be seen,” Nuñez emphasized her commitment to expressing her identity openly.
Rojas added, “For me, it’s not so much influence, it’s impact, and the fact that we’re impacting our people and giving them a space to exist.”
Rapid Growth and Future Plans
In only four months, Ladies Love Us has attracted a following of thousands online, successfully using social media to promote its gatherings. The group boasts over 300 active members. Flores mentioned the enthusiasm surrounding their events: “Oh man, they really love it. Every time we have an event, people hit us up, ‘This was so much fun, please do another one!'”
The group has ambitious plans, including an upcoming fundraiser for the Resource Center of Dallas and the establishment of a mentorship program designed for LGBTQ youth. Rojas articulated a powerful message: “If you exist, you belong. There’s space for you to belong. You can definitely belong here, and if not, absolutely, you can create that space for you to belong.”
Upcoming Event Highlight
Ladies Love Us is set to host an important event on August 16, featuring the talented Latina R&B artist Amanda Perez, promising another opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.
