History & Future

Founded in 1985 by a group of Latina/o activists, artists and scholars, allgo holds a rich history of diverse radical organizing. While originally founded as a Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organization, allgo’s cultural semblance has richly evolved over the course of these 20 years, with much of its diversification taking place within the first 5 years of its existence. Although often referred to as a Latina/o organization due to its founding, allgo’s rich history of diverse people of color and ally constituency is fully represented and engaged in the organization’s Vision, Mission, and Values, which in turn are reflected in all programming aspects of our work.

As a community based organization situated in East Austin, Texas, allgo’s programming has been lauded nationally due to its innovative approach of incorporating a holistic model comprised of health, the arts and community organizing. As a community based organization committed to staying abreast of the realities of our communities over the course of the years, allgo’s programming has come to include a Case Management Program for People of Color living with HIV/AIDS; a Health Education Program focused on HIV/AIDS, Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence; a Cultural Arts Program comprised of Artist-Residencies, workshops, community cultural events, and artist/community dialogues; and, a Community Organizing Program focused on civic participation and grassroots mobilizing.

In 2005, after assessing the past 20 years as a community based queer people of color organization, celebrating the successes and appreciating the challenges, allgo was placed in the position of critically evaluating its position as the longest-standing queer people of color organization in the country. During this process of strategic planning, allgo was faced with the challenge of stepping further into fully embodying its vision toward a just and equitable society that celebrates and nurtures vibrant people of color queer cultures.

During this process, significant gaps were identified in the social justice organizing taking place in Texas in terms of queer people of color activists, groups and organizations working often in isolation or with little contact with similar organizers. In addition, the connection between people of color and the greater LGBT movement was rather evident, with the voices of our community silenced in the larger dialogue.

As these needs were identified, allgo took the monumental decision to honor its vision; return to its initial intent to move entirely as a social justice organization; and offer its history to take-on the challenge of becoming a statewide queer people of color organization in the state of Texas. This decision, which makes allgo the first and only statewide queer people of color organization in the country, comes after long hours of planning, assessing and dialoguing with key individuals and organizations both in Texas and nationally.

Part of the process of fully embodying our vision has included the decision to begin transitioning out of governmental funding, which began by the closing of allgo’s Case Management program. Rather than continuing to invest the significant majority of energy into satisfying bureaucratic government contract expectations, allgo has opted to invest its time in creating change. Please sign-up to receive more information on where allgo is moving by calling [512] 472-2201 or e-mailing Lorenzo Herrera y Lozano.