Name: Nicole Altamirano
Title: Executive Director of Silicon Valley Pride
Location: San Jose, CA
What focus do you have when working with the community?
My focus is unwavering: to stand boldly and unapologetically in defense of the rights of marginalized communities. I prioritize listening — not assuming, not imposing — but truly hearing what our communities need. My role is not to dictate but to serve, to grow, and to learn continuously. I reject the presumption that help must come in a pre-packaged form. Too often, well-meaning people impose their version of “help” without acknowledging the lived realities of those they aim to support. I lead by listening, and I act by centering the community’s truth.
How have you seen the LGBTQ+ community grow over the years?
The LGBTQ+ community has evolved in powerful, transformative ways. We’ve gone from hidden identities and whispered truths to boldly living our authentic lives in the open. We’ve expanded our language, our understanding, and our inclusivity — creating space for identities that previous generations never imagined would be recognized, let alone celebrated. From Stonewall to marriage equality, from the AIDS crisis to life-saving treatments, we’ve refused to be erased. We are no longer asking for tolerance. We are demanding acceptance — and we are getting it.
What do you believe we as a community need to work on to be better?
We must let go of the need to fit everything into neat, predefined boxes. Our community celebrates fluidity, yet we sometimes struggle to honor it within ourselves. Growth requires change — and that means embracing evolving identities and perspectives. We once fought to be accepted; now it is our turn to extend that same grace to others within our own community. True solidarity means making space for the full spectrum of who we are.
What are the biggest challenges the LGBTQ+ community has internally?
Our greatest internal challenge is division. Too many organizations operate in silos — or worse, in competition — rather than uniting for the greater good. When ego outweighs collaboration, we lose sight of our purpose. We are at a critical juncture in history, and our strength must come from solidarity. We cannot afford fragmentation. Unity is not optional — it is essential if we are to survive, resist, and rise together.
How can we minimize our own prejudices within the community?
We must remember where we came from. There was a time when being gay or lesbian was revolutionary — and now others in our community are fighting the same battles for recognition and respect. If we ask the world to expand its mindset, we must do the same. We cannot invalidate others simply because we don’t understand their experience. The same arguments once used to marginalize us are now being used within our own community — and we must reject that hypocrisy.
What impacts has our community had on your life?
The LGBTQ+ community has given me something I will cherish for the rest of my life: chosen family. While I am blessed with a supportive biological family, I know many are not. My chosen family — including Silicon Valley PRIDE — has filled my life with love, purpose, and belonging. It has given my passion a platform, and my voice a purpose. The joy, strength, and resilience of this community fuels my soul every single day.
What is one thing you are doing that can inspire others to make our community better?
I choose to live boldly and unapologetically — not just for myself, but for those who aren’t yet able to. I speak out, I stand up, and I show up. If my visibility empowers even one person to step into their truth or speak their truth, then every ounce of effort is worth it. Courage is contagious. And I intend to spread it.
What can we do to support each other more authentically with regard to the many different intersectionality that make up our diverse community?
We must acknowledge that not all struggles are equal — and not all experiences are shared. Racial inequality is a defining reality across all communities, including our own. Leading with equity means centering the voices of the most marginalized — especially Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. If we are not uplifting every member of our community, then we are failing all of us. Liberation is not partial. We are only as free as the most marginalized among us.
Who has inspired your life and work?
My forever inspiration is my mama — Dr. Elena Hernandez. A fierce advocate, a trailblazer, a warrior for justice. She walked alongside César Chávez during the Chicano movement, earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate as a single mother, and fought relentlessly for marginalized youth. Even when speaking her truth held her back professionally, she never backed down. Her resilience lives in me. She is my fire. She is the reason I do this work. She is my hero.
What message do you have to the community that you would like to share?
Our message for Silicon Valley PRIDE’s 50th anniversary says it all: UNSTOPPABLE.
We are exhausted, yes. But we are not defeated. We’ve faced darkness before and emerged stronger every time. We are still here — vibrant, loud, and proud. And we are not going anywhere. Let the world know: We are unstoppable — because we have always been.
