This Friday, October 11, the Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) will celebrate National Coming Out Day and LGBT History Month by honoring GLAAD's Acting President Dave Montez.

LHP is a non-profit organization that investigates, preserves and educates the public about the history, culture, heritage, arts, social and rich contributions of the Latino GLBT community. Founded in 2000, LHP celebrates the identities of LGBT Latinos/as by creating educational exhibits from their historical archives at local cultural events and by organizing presentations at local and national conferences.

To commemorate LGBT History Month, which honors the achievements of LGBT icons, and National Coming Out Day, a day to celebrate and spread awareness about the LGBT community, LHP is honoring GLAAD Acting President Dave Montez with the José Ramirez Leadership Award. This award, named for Latino GLBT History Project Board Member and health advocate José Ramirez, recognizes an outstanding gay role model and exemplary leader who advocates for LGBT Latinos. The award comes just one week before Spirit Day when GLAAD works with networks including Telemundo and celebrities like Cristina Saralegui to showase support for LGBT youth by going purple. 

"This honor is truly humbling," said Montez. "After growing up as a young Latino in small town Colorado, I am well aware that American history is a fabric woven by incongruent events, people and cultures. It's only by honoring all the pieces in that fabric, and by working together, that we can achieve full equality. Thank you to the Latino GLBT History Project for all the work that you do."

Congratulations on this award, Dave!