Thirty-three years ago, Gloria Careaga helped launch Mexican lesbian organization El clóset de Sor Juana, growing it into one of the country’s most influential LGBTQ nonprofits until its closure in 2023. The university professor also founded several other prominent LGBTIQ+ advocacy organizations, such as the Arcoíris Foundation.

At age 78, the out and proud lesbian has been working to draw attention to the needs of LGBTQ elders across Latin America. It hasn’t been easy, Careaga told the Bay Area Reporter during a recent video interview.

“Support for elders, LGBTQ elders, there are no reflections, no spaces. We have been trying,” said Careaga, who grew up in Guadalajara and now calls Mexico City home. […]