FUERZAfest Returns to Orlando

FUERZAfest is back.

On February 7th, Hispanic Federation will launch the second edition of FUERZAfest Orlando, three days of events featuring films, an award-winning play, panel discussions and an art exhibit and much more in support of Central Florida's diverse Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. One of this year's screenings is Carla Cavina's Extra Terrestres, a film that explores LGBTQ issues within the context of Puerto Rico's social and cultural politics.

"FUERZAfest Orlando will serve as an opportunity for Central Florida's Latinx LGBTQ+ community to unite once again in solidarity, and educate and sensitize others through the arts around the effects of anti-gay stigma, homophobia and transphobia," said Mario Colón, associate vice president of the Hispanic Federation, who has overseen the event since its inception in New York, Connecticut and Orlando.

In light of the current sociopolitical climate, the theme of FUERZAfest 2018 is "Breaking Down Walls." The theme reflects the festival's commitment to dialogue and engagement within and across the Latinx and LGBTQ communities. The festival hopes to be a catalyst for action against the issues impacting these communities, including homophobia, transphobia, racism and xenophobia.

"We are living in very dangerous times for the Latinx and LGBTQ communities," said Hispanic Federation President José Calderón. "FUERZAfest Orlando is a call to action to the community. Its enable us to deliver a solid message while provoking a dialogue at a time when Latino, immigrant and LGBTQ communities feel constantly targeted and threatened," he said.