Spanish-language radio drama tackles LGBT issues

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- A new Spanish-language radio drama is helping to break the silence surrounding homosexuality in California's rural communities.

The so-called radionovela premiered Friday across the Central Valley. The program - called "Bienvenidos a Casa," or "Welcome Home" - tells the story of Carlos, a gay Latino teen who is rejected by his community then eventually finds acceptance.

Radionovelas are extremely popular in Latin America, and agricultural workers here often listen to the radio when toiling in the fields.

This program was developed by Radio Bilingue, a national Spanish-language network, in collaboration with California Rural Legal Assistance and San Francisco State University. A gay-rights group is working to air the series nationally.

Activists say this is the first time information about LGBT issues is reaching rural Latinos in an accessible format.