David Perez (2021)
"You don’t have to choose... you can do both."
"How can we be excluded in so many spaces and not celebrate our full identity as Latino and as gay?"
"It’s not about us; it’s about helping the community and giving something back–."
David M. Pérez, born on July 6, 1983, in Torrance, California, has built a legacy as a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ and Latino communities, particularly in Washington, D.C. His early experiences in a multicultural Latino family with roots in Mexico and New Mexico and his journey towards self-acceptance in the face of societal expectations profoundly influenced his activism and public service path. This personal struggle became one of resilience in the pursuit of justice for himself and his community.
Perez attended a private Christian university in Southern California, Biola University, where he majored in Latin American Studies and Spanish, later earning a Master’s degree from Georgetown University in the same field after making the move from the west to the east coast, landing himself in the District of Columbia. Raised in an Evangelical Christian household, Pérez eventually embraced his LGBTQ+ identity while studying in Washington, D.C., where he found the courage to come out. Reflecting on this time, Pérez credits Cesar Chavez’s advice that "you don’t have to choose... you can do both" with empowering him to be both Latino and gay without compromising either. This personal experience became central to his activism as he worked to carve out spaces where LGBTQ+ Latinos could fully embrace their identities.
Upon arriving in Washington, D.C., Pérez immersed himself in the city's LGBTQ+ advocacy scene, focusing specifically on uplifting LGBTQ+ Latinos whose experiences were often marginalized. His work with the Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) is one of his most impactful contributions. Joining as a volunteer and later becoming a key leader within the organization, Pérez helped expand Latino Pride events and launch the Héroes Latinos LGBTQ exhibit, a project highlighting the contributions of LGBTQ+ Latinos in D.C. through portraits and personal stories. This initiative significantly increased the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ Latinos in the community.
Perez’s leadership within LHP transformed the narrative around LGBTQ+ Latinos. One of the hallmark achievements under his leadership was the Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Awards, an annual event that honors activists and community leaders. Through these initiatives, Pérez ensured that the histories and experiences of LGBTQ+ Latinos were recognized and celebrated. "How can we be excluded in so many spaces and not celebrate our full identity as Latino and as gay?" Pérez once asserted, highlighting the need for inclusive platforms that address intersectional identities.
Pérez took on leadership roles in LULAC and the Hispanic Federation, focusing on fundraising, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. His efforts in these organizations helped build strong coalitions across multiple advocacy sectors while maintaining a commitment to public service. His role on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on LGBTQ Affairs as he helped shape policies that addressed the needs of LGBTQ+ people of color, particularly around language access and services for LGBTQ+ immigrants. Pérez's commitment to addressing the diverse needs of marginalized communities has been a consistent theme in his advocacy work.
Pérez works at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), managing public engagement and partnerships for the Affordable Connectivity Program. His work at the FCC allows him to continue serving underrepresented communities, ensuring that people from all backgrounds can access the digital tools they need to succeed. While his professional career has spanned various roles, one consistent theme throughout Pérez’s life has been his dedication to giving back. "It’s not about us; it’s about helping the community and giving something back," he emphasized, speaking to the core values that have guided his career.
Pérez’s contributions in Washington, D.C., have left an indelible mark on the city’s LGBTQ+ and Latino communities, expanding the visibility of LGBTQ+ Latinos, advocating for policy changes, and mentoring the next generation of leaders, Pérez’s legacy is one of inclusivity, resilience, and unwavering commitment. His work continues to inspire others to ensure that the voices of LGBTQ+ Latinos are heard, recognized, and celebrated in the broader civil rights movement.
Bibliography
Perez, David M. Oral History Transcript. Rainbow History Project, 4 Apr. 2015.
“David Michael Pérez – about.me/dmp49.” about.me, https://about.me/dmp49. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
Quesada, Uriel, et al., editors. Queer Brown Voices: Personal Narratives of Latina/o LGBT Activism. University of Texas Press, 2015.
Latino GLBT History Project Archives. Latino GLBT History Project, Washington, D.C.
The Washington Blade Archives. "LGBTQ History in Washington, D.C." Washington Blade, Washington, D.C. Accessed archives for various articles on LGBTQ+ activism.