At a time when there are incendiary controversies about the concept of family, for the second consecutive year the Puerto Rican Family Institute (PRFI) is preparing to launch a powerful message, from its participation in the LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade, which is celebrated this Sunday, July 30 in Manhattan.
“We embrace these types of protests, because they serve to give visibility to a group that simply wants to have the same rights as traditional families. They don’t want to be above the law. Nor do they want special treatment, but equal treatment. This is a community that wants to be recognized not as gay, bisexual, or transgender, but as human beings,” said David Benítez, spokesperson for the PRFI.
At the 55th edition of the Pride March, this organization will not only send a manifesto of support for this group with its participation, but will also take advantage of the visibility of this massive and global event to emphasize that its extensive human and mental health services are inclusive of all types of family compositions in New York.
Inserted in the world of inclusion
When 64 years ago a group of Puerto Rican activists began to design a community connection program to help those who came from the island to the Big Apple to seek a better life, they conceived it with all the limits that its name indicates: The Puerto Rican Family Institute.
After six decades, even the very concept of the family nucleus, which at that time was only conceivable under the structure of a man and a woman, has also undergone transformations.
The concept and idea of family in New York and across the country can now be defined in many ways. A child can have two men or two women as parents, or a transgender mother, to name just a few.
“We have to contribute to creating a world where there is space for everyone, respecting differences. In our Hispanic culture, there are still barriers to break down due to the power that patriarchy has. It is obvious that in all political and business leadership positions, there is a member of this LGBTQIA+ community, as well as in all organizations that offer social services. It is time to remember that this group is everywhere, not just in certain professions,” Benitez highlighted.
Adapting to the new times
And in this direction, the PRFI board has also tried to adapt to the new social and legal dynamics that have evolved in a culturally liberal epicenter like the Big Apple.
This social and mental health services center wants to tell New Yorkers that they have access to multicultural, multilingual and inclusive social services that adapt to this reality.
This organization is currently headquartered in Manhattan, but offers services in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn.
Now, it is a large human services center that offers culturally sensitive programs to children, adults and families from all communities in New York, regardless of their origin, sexual identity, gender expression, ability to pay or language. It also provides some services in Puerto Rico and has the ambition to offer them in other states of the country.
On the march
- 100 people including PRFI staff and members will be on a float with Drag Queens Ericka Lederreon and DJ Heavy Nice. At the same time as the exhibition, details of the services offered by this organization will be offered.