Creating Safe Spaces For All.

Growing up in the 90’s in Texas was really difficult as a young gay man. We had LGBTQ+ icons on television, but in my school we had no representation or support. Our history classes taught us about the AIDS epidemic, a grim representation which completely disregarded our communities monolithic leaders. Clubs or safe spaces were non-existent. Many of those who were brave enough to come out were often bullied and socially isolated. It was a space that made it near impossible to find anyone in the community to connect with or a mentor to guide you. 

Flash-forward to now. Over the last decade, the Queer Community’s policy revolution has brought us marriage and labor law equality. Our youth are gaining more rights, seeing more role models, and receiving more information than ever before. In a new world with immense resources and positive change, we still don’t have enough for our queer & gender non-conforming youth. They are still less likely to feel safe than their non-queer and gender conforming peers,. Only 20% can even identify a mentor in their life compared to their peers at 74%. Our youth deserve more.

Luis and I created Rainbow Labs to increase safe spaces where youth can explore their identity in a non-judgmental environment. I believe all our youth deserve to find a mentor, someone who can stand beside and guide them. By collaborating with our youth, we meet them where they’re at to show them the endless possibilities that await them when they feel safe, supported, and loved. 

—

Jacob Toups

Founder & Executive Director, Rainbow Labs

Youth Can Reach Their Full Potential.

Luis is passionate about serving inner-city marginalized youth. He believes through trusting relationships and critical supports that complement their natural gifts and curiosities; Youth can reach their greatest potential. Luis is honored to advance the impact and mission of Rainbow Labs through building a network of champions, committed to accelerating opportunities for its youth.

Luis Vasquez is a veteran non-profit administrator, with more than 16 years of experience in the greater Southern California region as an executive, project manager, administrator, business development, operations, communications specialist and service provider.  

At a very young age, Luis noticed firsthand how uneven the playing field was for kids that were different. For the past decade, he has worked in the public education and non-profit industry to change the narrative and disrupt the outcomes for youth. In his former roles Luis has led, one of the largest and most successful social service partnership programs in Los Angeles County dealing with youth development and trauma informed coaching. Serving more than 13,000 K-12 aged youth every year, the program provided a comprehensive array of educational and enrichment services in 28 different organizations across Southern California…. and yep, he’s from East Los Angeles and a 12 year NAVY veteran and proud of it! 

Luis and his dog Gristle spend many hours hiking, going to sporting events and exploring all the great food the city has to offer. 

—

Luis Vasquez

Co-Founder, Rainbow Labs