Teresa Oyos & Rose Ruybal
From our first dance at The Flame to Gloria Estefan’s “Conga” there was Passion! When we left the bar walking down Park Blvd, our authentic selves connected. The conversation flowed easily and natural…our love affair had begun. I started my activism in the early 1970’s with the Chicano Movement and the United Farm Workers Union. After coming out I became involved with a group of Lesbians who organized a woman’s coffee house “Las Hermanas”.
While working at “The Gayzette”, a local gay paper as a graphic artist I co-founded the first LGBTQ Latino organization “Orgullo” with Adam Brisuela and Franco Gillan. It was at this time Rose started participating in community activism. In 1986 the Pride Festival almost didn’t happen! With Chris Kehoe’s leadership a space was secured at WCPC. The day before the festival Rose was sweeping the parking lot and I was making posters inside.
Our first year together was exciting, fun, and meaningful. In the fall of 1987 we made the decision to get Clean and Sober. The Live and Let Live Alano Club on 4th Ave became our focus of community involvement .This time in our lives was very challenging, and laid a strong foundation for our life together.
In 2001 Bienestar (a provider for LGBTQ Latino Social services) opened. Being a part of preparing for the Grand Opening is one of many special memories we have of helping Carolina Alcoser Ramos. The laughter, painting, decorating and excitement was exhilarating. When Latino Services started at the Center it was a natural transition for us to continue our service to the Latino Community.
Through the decades we have had the privilege of marching in Pride with many organizations in our LGBTQ community. Over the last 38 years we have built a life around common interests such as dancing, music, travel, reading, the arts, friends, and family. We have learned to balance our relationship, our family and community involvement. Three principles that have sustained our relationship are Communication, Compromise, and Compassion. We are deeply honored to be given this recognition. Muchisimas Gracias!