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The Borderland Rainbow Center and Diversity and Resiliency Institute of El Paso are excited to share with you the LGBTQ+ Border Heroes Cards Project! Inspired by the Urban Intellectuals Black History Flashcards, this project will highlight individuals who have made an impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

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One of the main goals of the Borderland Rainbow Center is to promote acceptance and inclusiveness for the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ Border Hero Playing Card Deck will showcase role models and significant events in the El Paso/Juarez Borderland. Each person or event will be illustrated on their own educational “playing card”. Each card will include a quote or tag line indicating accomplishments of the person or event.

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In addition to bringing visibility to the stories of these heroes, this approach may also further reduce societal marginalization for the queer community and inspire others to stand against social injustices and inequalities. By creating these playing cards, we would supply our West Texas Borderland community, and beyond, with an interactive educational resource that provides insight into LGBTQ+ history and brings continual awareness to a community in need.

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These cards will help bring awareness of local LGBTQ+ individuals, Allies, and LGBTQ+ history by highlighting those that contributed to El Paso and the Borderland’s growth. Educators can use these cards to give students access to historical information that will grant them a wider view of the people and events that shaped our region. Families and individuals can use these cards to start conversations about the Borderland's history, and more specifically parts of that history that are often untold. 

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The cards will feature people, places and events from or living in the El Paso, Texas area and sister cities (Juarez and Las Cruces) who have positively influenced, impacted, or guided LGBTQ+ culture and/or issues. The card back and box design has been created by El Paso graphic designer Paz Yglecias, and the artwork depicting our LGBTQ+ Border Heroes is being created by local borderland artists!