Seguimos Aquí (We're Still Here): Pride Pandemic, & Perseverance (Orgullo, Pandemic, y Perseverancia)
2021 | Documentary | ALMA + Chicago History Museum | 34 Minutes

Four LGBTQ+ identifying Latinx Chicagoans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, interpersonal struggles, and community triumphs throughout a turbulent yet powerful 2020. This project is a collaboration with the Association of Latino/as/x Motivating Action  (ALMA) and the Chicago History Museum.

Past Public Screenings

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1/30/23: National Museum of Mexican Art in partnership with the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois
​9/30/22 - 10/6/22 - Reeling Film Festival (Virtual)
9/28/22 - DePaul University Law Student Organizations (SAIL, Outlaws, Latino Law Student Association)
9/25/22 - Reeling Film Festival (In-person)
​3/24/22: Howard Brown (virtual)
2/14/22: Chicago Fantasy Nightclub
​12/10/21: Puerto Rican Arts Alliance
10/9/21: City Farm Chicago​
7/22/21: Chicago History Museum

Synopsis

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In response, Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S., went on a government-mandated lockdown in March 2020. As the virus spread globally, the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Tony McDade at the hands of police sparked global protests sparking international uprisings against state-sponsored violence and for racial justice. The unknown outcome of the presidential election loomed over the U.S., creating more anxiety and fear as many Americans tried to make sense of the world and the places they called home.

Amid a pandemic, what happens when the systems fail to serve communities that are invisibilized? People who lived through and survived the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the ’80s and ’90s know the devastating effects of government inefficiency and misinformation. Marginalized undocumented people found alternatives ways to not only survive but thrive. As a result of the obstacles trans and queer people have historically faced, they have created mutual aid networks and chosen families of support. Seguimos Aquí: Pride, Pandemic, and Perseverance tells the story of LaSaia, Reyna, Luis, and Nissa, four Latinx LGBTQ leaders from different backgrounds who use the power of self-determination, love, and community to not only survive but help their communities become visible.

Panel Discussions & Short Scenes

December 17, 2020 - English

May 12, 2021 - Español

Nissa Conde - Short Scene

Chicago Tonight:
​Latino Voices

Learn More About Our Collaborating Partners

OUT AT Chicago History Museum

ALMA

Our Storytellers

LaSaia Wade (she/they)
Founder, Former Executive Director,
​Brave Space Alliance

Reyna Ortiz (she/her)
Taskforce Prevention and Community Services
Author, Trans Resource Navigator and author of T: Stands for Truth: In search of the Queen

Luis Lira (he/him)
Community Health Advocate,
Esperanza Health Centers

Nissa Conde (she/her)
​Entertainer & Producer

Above photo by Thoughtpoet.
​Below and header photo by Joey Delisi.

“COVID was that catalyst to making people see the system is failing us. I need help to break this system down."  
LASAIA WADE | Executive Director, Brave Space Alliance