TASTE TAKEOVER

**TASTE Takeover** is a Latina and queer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to creating safe, vibrant, and culturally affirming spaces for the Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. Founded by veterans and driven by lived experience, our mission is rooted in visibility, belonging, and celebration. We uplift queer Latinas, Afro-Latinx individuals, women of color, and underserved members of the LGBTQ+ community through inclusive events, cultural festivals, and community engagement.

At its core, TASTE Takeover exists to fill a long-standing gap in representation. Too often, LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities are segmented and underserved—especially queer women, non-binary people, and trans individuals within the Latin diaspora. Our organization responds to this gap by building intentional spaces where identity, joy, and culture collide. We believe that representation should not be a side note—it should be centered.

Our flagship programming includes:

* **Mamacita Festival** — the first and only queer Latina music festival in the U.S., celebrating Latinx and LGBTQ+ joy through live music, art, and storytelling.
* **Perreo Vieja Escuela** — a monthly nightlife event featuring Latin DJs and queer artists, providing economic opportunities for BIPOC performers and safe space for community gathering.
* **Pop-Up Events & Wellness Programming** — community-based events such as karaoke nights, outdoor celebrations, networking mixers, and wellness gatherings that center healing and visibility.
* **Pride and Cultural Partnerships** — annual events and collaborations during Pride Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, including participation in parades, embassy-led events, and community tabling.

TASTE Takeover prioritizes community access and economic justice by ensuring our events are affordable (and often free), offering vendor and artist stipends, and creating affiliate ticket programs so community members can benefit financially by promoting our work. As a grassroots nonprofit, we rely on donations, grants, and sponsorships to continue offering these vital programs to an often-overlooked population.

We intentionally center:

* **Queer women and femmes**
* **Afro-Latinx, Indigenous, and non-Spanish-speaking Latinx people**
* **Immigrants and undocumented individuals**
* **Disabled and chronically ill LGBTQ+ people**
* **Veterans and low-income LGBTQ+ families**

Our leadership team brings together over 20 years of combined experience in logistics, production, nonprofit administration, healthcare, and military service. As a 100% disabled veteran-founded organization, we bring a deep understanding of intersecting identities and systemic barriers, and we work every day to dismantle them through culture, connection, and celebration.

TASTE Takeover is more than events—we are building a movement grounded in visibility, equity, and joy. Our vision is to expand our reach, amplify our impact, and establish sustainable year-round programming that continues to uplift the communities we serve.

We welcome partnerships, funding, and opportunities to deepen our mission and bring representation to every stage, every dance floor, and every community gathering we touch.