But in the year since a gunman killed 49 people at the Pulse nightclub, these men and others have sought to strengthen their wounded community, forming support groups and community organizations, seeking seats at the tables of power, and creating a foundation to champion gays and Latinos. Many gay Latinos in Orlando have endured indignities, rejection or violence because of their sexual orientation. After coming out in high school, Marco Quiroga left his mother’s home and became temporarily homeless. Carlos Guillermo Smith was once attacked by anti-gay students at a college party.
Ricardo Negron never kissed his boyfriend in front of conservative relatives.
