Meet our Founders

Our History

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Founded in 2007 by two visionary East Bay moms, Laurin Mayeno and Mirna Medina, Somos Familia began as a grassroots effort to support families navigating the challenges of having LGBTQ+ loved ones. Both Laurin and Mirna were inspired by their own experiences as mothers of Latino gay and bisexual sons, recognizing a significant gap in culturally competent Spanish-language resources and support.

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Laurin and Mirna turned to each other for advice, support, and resources, quickly realizing that many other families were in similar need. Their mutual support laid the foundation for Somos Familia's mission: to foster acceptance, provide education, and build community for Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

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Since its inception, Somos Familia has grown into a leading organization advocating for LGBTQ+ acceptance within Latinx communities. We have expanded our programs to include targeted retreats, health and wellness initiatives, professional development workshops, and various support groups. Our commitment to creating a just world that embraces all genders and sexual orientations has driven us to develop innovative resources, educational materials, and peer support systems.

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Over the years, Somos Familia has touched the lives of countless individuals and families, transforming communities through our culturally competent, family-centered approach. Our founders’ dedication and the collective efforts of our volunteers, staff, and community leaders continue to inspire and guide our mission.

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Today, Somos Familia remains steadfast in our vision of a world where every person, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, is accepted and celebrated. We invite you to join us in this ongoing journey of empowerment, education, and acceptance.