The Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) is not endorsing any of the candidates. However, recently we had the pleasure of speaking with Democratic primary candidate and first time candidate for office Eric Esteves. Esteves is running for state representative for Massachusetts’ 7th Suffolk District, which includes Roxbury, Fenway, and Grove Hall. Two of those areas have significant portions of Boston’s black residents.
Eric Esteves presently works as the Director of Emerging Technology & Professional Development at Lesley University. He is also an active member in several Boston communities. He is involved with the Boston NAACP, Project HIPHOP, Think Politics, and the ONEin3 Advisory Council. Much of his past and present community commitments center on the social development and advancement of young people. Furthermore, Esteves articulates that through his continued advocacy he plans to be a voice of justice and promoter of equality and fairness for all residents in his community. He says, “I am running because I have a vested interest in influencing policy at the state level that positively impacts my community, which has been historically neglected and starved for resources.”
So how does he fare when it comes to addressing LGBTQ issues? While he’s not been formerly affiliated with or endorsed by any LGBTQ-specific organizations, he supports many initiatives that are important to our communities. When asked by MassEquality if he would support legislation that would protect transgender people from discrimination in public accommodations, the candidate stated that he would and that “discrimination has no place in this state.” He also said he would support an act that would provide housing and support to homeless youth as well as legislative efforts that seek to provide programming that serve LGBTQ victims of domestic violence, those with HIV/AIDS as well as elders and their caregivers. Esteves says that he will show his dedication to these initiatives by voting in favor, in addition to offering his testimony, advocacy, rallying the support of his colleagues, and filing amendments, if needed.
Check out Eric Esteves’ website here: www.ericesteves.com.
Check out other candidates, register to vote, or find out your polling place here: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/
JK Lynn is student at Brandeis and is also an intern at HBGC, serving as the organization’s advocacy coordinator. Contact at: jnash@hbgc-boston.org.
