social justice

The Latino Creatives Behind Your Favorite TV Shows Are On Strike Right Now

a collage featuring steven canals, dani fernandez, rafael agustin and tanya saracho

Our favorite TV shows have been there for us through the highs and lows, offering familiarity and comfort when we needed it most and introducing us to characters we've come to love. They made us laugh, they made us cry, and most importantly, they've made us feel seen. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in their stories it's easy to forget that there's a whole team of amazing people behind the scenes making it all come to life. And now, these unsung heroes who create the stories, write the lines, and make every scene feel real are struggling to make ends meet.

Streaming has rapidly become a dominant force in the entertainment industry. Although the industry disruptor delivered plenty of benefits, it also brought many significant challenges. Writers and actors are currently dealing with declining and sometimes non-existent compensation and worsening work conditions that haven't kept up with the new streaming business model.

To make matters worse, the startling inequality for Latino creatives in the industry persists, leading to a marked marginalization of Latino voices. They're fed up, and frankly, who can blame them?

In addition to the challenges Latino writers face in the television industry, there is also the pressing issue of the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential replacement for human workers and talent. This strike represents a significant endeavor by labor unions to push for industry regulations and even potential bans on the use of AI in place of human creatives. As technology advances and AI becomes more prevalent, this issue is likely to be addressed by unions in industries nationwide, sparking a broader conversation about the implications of AI in the workforce and the need to protect human labor and creativity.

For the first time since 1960, both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are on strike.

This fight is about more than just ensuring your favorite characters get to stay on screen. The striking creatives are standing up for diversity, authenticity, and for the Latino stories that touch our hearts and minds that have also contributed to the billions of dollars the streamers and studios have raked in.

Sometimes, we're so immersed in the entertainment that we forget there are real people creating the shows we love. These Latino creatives bring us stories full of heart, laughs, and rich viewpoints that make binge-watching worthwhile. They are also now demanding their fair share of the steamer and studio wealth, which ultimately will ensure we see more of, not less, Latino content.

Tanya Saracho

Tanya Saracho is an exceptional playwright and television writer celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to the industry. As the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of the critically acclaimed series "Vida," she garnered widespread acclaim, earning a remarkable 100% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes across all three seasons. Saracho's creative endeavors extend beyond "Vida" as she passionately develops an array of television projects, showcasing her immense talent and versatility. Her profound impact transcends the screen, evidenced by her co-founding of the Untitled Latinx Project (ULP) and the Writers Access Support Staff Training Program.

With her innovative storytelling, Saracho continues to shape and elevate the entertainment landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Steven Canals

Steven Canals, an Afro-Latino writer hailing from the Bronx, co-created the revolutionary FX series "Pose" alongside Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. "Pose" takes viewers on a journey through New York's African-American and Latino LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming ballroom culture during the late '80s and early '90s. The series offers an intimate peek into a community often overlooked in mainstream media. "Pose" boasts the largest transgender cast in television history and has garnered critical acclaim.

Canals' remarkable work earned him recognition as a "writer to watch" by Variety in 2018, and he signed an overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television in 2020, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.

Valentina Garza

Renowned for her sharp wit, Valentina Garza, a seasoned Cuban-American comedy writer, is best known for her substantial contributions to the iconic series, "The Simpsons," and the Jane the Virgin spin-off pilot, "Jane the Novela." She was also a writer for "Wednesday," "True Lies," and "Only Murders In The Building."

Garza's distinctive comedic voice has become a part of the series' fabric, lending it a refreshing diversity that resonates with a global audience.

Dani Fernandez

A gifted writer, comedian, and actress, she has left an indelible mark on projects like "The Critics' Choice Super Awards" and the animated gem "Ralph Breaks the Internet." Beyond her written work, she has graced popular channels such as Nerdist, Geek & Sundry, and Screen Junkies, captivating audiences with her infectious energy and genuine love for all things nerdy. Dani Fernandez's talent and versatility have solidified her as a captivating force in the industry, delighting audiences across various mediums with her exceptional skills and energetic presence.

Erick Galindo

As a writer, creator, director, and podcast host, Erick Galindo has left no stone unturned in the entertainment industry. His journey as a biracial individual navigating two worlds in Southeast Los Angeles during the 90s informs his award-winning work. From his gripping podcasts "Idolo: The Ballad of Chalino Sanchez" and "WILD" to his cinematic projects, he tells stories that universally resonate while still reflecting his personal experiences. Currently, Galindo is collaborating with world champion boxer Canelo Alvarez on an animated TV series, assuring us that there are more fascinating stories to come.

Gloria Calderón Kellett

As the executive producer, co-creator, co-showrunner, director, and actress of the beloved sitcom "One Day at a Time," Gloria Calderón Kellett has captivated audiences with her heartfelt storytelling. Her talents extend to the streaming realm with the series "With Love."

Not stopping there, now she's bringing us "The Horror of Dolores Roach." With a background as the daughter of Cuban immigrants and an impressive resume that includes writing, producing, acting, and directing on shows like "Devious Maids," "Rules of Engagement," and "How I Met Your Mother," Calderón Kellett is a true powerhouse.

Rafael Agustin

Rafael Agustin's exceptional storytelling skills and personal journey as a formerly undocumented American have shaped his contributions to shows like "Jane The Virgin" and his TV family comedy, "Illegal." Agustin's groundbreaking 2004 autobiographical comedy, "N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk," garnered widespread acclaim from esteemed publications such as the LA Times and the New York Times for its powerful exploration of social justice issues.

Most recently, Agustin authored his memoir, "Illegally Yours." When he's not creating widely acclaimed projects, he is also serving as the Executive Director of the Latino Film Institute, overseeing the renowned Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and their educational film program, the Youth Cinema Project.

Recognized as one of the fifty most essential people in Los Angeles by LA Weekly, Agustin's influence extends far beyond the entertainment industry. He is a passionate advocate for human rights and uses storytelling as a powerful tool for change.

The ongoing strike serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges industry creatives face. It's a pivotal moment in the labor market, and this strike is prompting a broader conversation about the future of work and the importance of valuing human creativity in the face of advancing technology.

Whether you march alongside them on picket lines, contribute to their cause, or merely help spread the word, the Latino community could help ensure the voices of Latino creatives are heard and celebrated in the ever-evolving landscape of tv and film.

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Six Latin American Indigenous Women Activists You Probably Didn't Know About

From left to right: Berta Cáceres, Comandanta Ramona, Rigoberta Menchú, Aura Lolita Chávez Ixcaquic, Guadalupe Vázquez Luna, and Leydy Pech

The world has seen countless inspiring women rise to fight for justice and equality, particularly for marginalized and oppressed communities. Their tireless advocacy has brought much-needed attention to issues such as women's and Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and preserving Indigenous knowledge and culture.

Despite their challenges and obstacles, these Latin American Indigenous women serve as powerful role models and reminders of the transformative potential of grassroots activism. Let’s take a closer look at their extraordinary lives and legacies:
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politics

This Viral Video Game Is Changing the Face of Voter Outreach

This Viral Video Game Is Changing the Face of Voter Outreach

In 2024, voting campaigns have evolved greatly, to say the least. Creativity is now the name of the game and tongue-in-cheek humor is expertly leveraged to drive action. One example of that is Bop the Bigot, a revival of a viral game created in 2016 by Bazta Arpaio, an Arizona activist group, as part of a campaign to unseat Maricopa County’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Arpaio lost his re-election to Paul Penzone that year.

The game has now been updated for the current election cycle and relaunched by On Point Studios, with new features added to enable players to find out what’s on their ballot, confirm voter status, and register to vote.

Much like its former 2016 version, the game allows users to take out their political frustrations by virtually “bopping” GOP candidates in the head. It’s very similar to whack-a-mole, except the mole is replaced by former President Donald Trump, Ohio’s Senator J. D. Vance, and Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, which is spearheading Project 2025.

cartoon renditions of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance around a Bop the Bigot logoPromotional image provided by On Point Studios.

B. Loewe, Director of On Point Studios, came up with the concept for this game when working as the Communications Director at Bazta Arpaio in 2016, and is the executive producer of this revamped version. In the first version of the game, Bop the Bigot players used a chancla (flip flop) to “bop” the characters, tapping into Latino culture by leaning on the childhood experience of being set right by a flying chancla from a fed-up mother or grandmother.

This year, the chancla is replaced by a more current element, a green coconut, referencing Kamala Harris’ coconut tree meme. There are also side characters like “the couch,” cat ladies, and more coconuts. All references to jokes about Vice-Presidential candidate Vance, or insults Vance has made about women on the campaign trail.

Another new addition is that Harris’ laugh is immortalized as the game-over sound effect, an unexpected detail that adds even more humor and levity to the game.

cartoon renditions of Donald Trump, Kevin Roberts, and J.D. Vance around a Bop the Bigot logoPromotional image provided by On Point Studios.

Bop the Bigot, which is playable on desktop and mobile, is intended not just as a way to vent political frustrations, but also as a tool for activism and securing voter engagement.

For example, the game supports the work of Mexican Neidi Dominguez Zamorano, Founding Executive Director of the non-profit organization Organized Power in Numbers by using the “game over” screen to prompt players to donate to it and support their efforts.

Organized Power in Numbers is focused on empowering workers in the South and Southwest of the U.S. through collective action and comprehensive campaigns. Their mission is to create a large-scale movement that challenges the status quo and advocates for workers' rights, and racial and economic justice.

Currently, Dominguez Zamorano is leading worker outreach to 2 million working-class voters in the South and Southwest through doorknocking, texting, and calls with the help of local groups in North Carolina, Arizona, New Mexico, and more.

“We have been blown away by the enthusiastic reception for the video game. We knew we wanted to be part of its creative approach because our movement needs more fun and laughter. We need more ways to connect with nuestra gente so we can feel joy among all the absurdity we witness every day,” Dominguez Zamorano shared with Luz Media via email.

“Our people are gente trabajadora and we deserve to feel uplifted even in our toughest moments. We are deeply involved in the South and Southwest so we know what’s at stake in this election and we’re happy this can be a resource to mobilize, raise spirits, and get out the vote," she concluded.

Dominguez Zamorano is a committed activist for immigrants and workers' rights, known for her strategist skills and expertise. She played a key role in the campaign to win DACA and has also held roles in major campaigns, including as Deputy National States Director for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign. In addition to her work with Organized Power in Numbers, Dominguez Zamorano is serving as a Senior Advisor to Mijente’s Fuera Trump Initiative.

Grassroots efforts like these have taken on new life in 2024, with Bop the Bigot adding to the larger, ongoing fight against political apathy and disinformation. Just as it did during the 2016 race, the video game uses humor to soften the serious task at hand—getting people to the polls.

"We want the game to be a fun and comical outlet for anyone who’s been insulted, frustrated, or harmed by Trump in the past and everyone who is ready to move forward as a country after election day," explained Loewe in a press release. "The proposals in Project 2025 and the beliefs of Trump and Vance aren’t just weird, they’re truly harmful. We wanted to give people a humorous and peaceful way to smack down their racism and sexism. We hope it makes people laugh and also feel empowered and motivated to get to the polls on or before election day."

With a mix of satire, sharp political critique, and nostalgia, the game is a call to action. The upcoming election, which is getting closer by the minute, has sparked fierce activism and creative yet grounded initiatives like these aim to ensure voters are engaged, especially young Latinos and disenfranchised groups.

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Latinos Are Ready to Vote for Abortion Rights This November

hands holding up yellow protest signs that say Hands Off Our Bodies
Photo Credit: Gayatri Malhotra via Unsplash

Originally published in Common Dreams. Reprinted with permission.

The Latino electorate will prove decisive in securing reproductive freedom and abortion access through ballot measures around the country, particularly in states where Latinos are a significant portion of the electorate.

In November, abortion rights measures will appear on ballots across ten states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and New York, where Latinos make up a significant portion of the electorate. For decades, pundits and politicians have recycled long-held misconceptions about Latino voters and abortion access, citing our conservative and religious beliefs.

Anti-abortion extremists have long fueled these misconceptions through misinformation and disinformation campaigns targeting Latino communities with egregious lies and inflammatory rhetoric about abortion. Yet, polling, focus groups, and direct interactions with Latino communities have debunked these outdated tropes.

The Latino electorate will prove decisive in securing reproductive freedom and abortion access through ballot measures around the country, particularly in states where Latinos are a significant portion of the electorate.

For Latinos, the freedom to decide, a pillar of our American democracy, is critical. Meanwhile, Latinos are being hit directly with anti-abortion efforts that take away that freedom such as the six-week abortion ban put into effect by the Florida Supreme Court and the 1864 abortion ban upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court. In the wake of the Dobbs decision, people of color and Latinas have felt the impact of a lack of abortion access, an element of basic healthcare.

A 2023 report by the National Partnership for Women and Families estimated that nearly 6.5 million Latinas, or 42% of all Latinas of reproductive age in the country, live in a state that either had or was likely to ban abortion. Ironically, it will be abortion access and anti-choice efforts to restrict freedom of choice that will mobilize Latino voters this election.

In a poll conducted by three national reproductive justice organizations, 87% of Latinas named abortion and women’s rights as one of their top priorities as they head to the polls. Another battleground poll conducted by Somos PAC and BSP Research found that 61% of Latino registered voters expressed a more positive/favorable view of Kamala Harris after hearing that she will protect abortion rights, versus only 19% of Latinos who said they had a more negative view of Harris after hearing that.

In key states to secure the White House and both chambers, Latinos make up large chunks of the electorate: Arizona (25%), Colorado (15%), Florida (20%), Nevada (20%), and New York (12%). In the face of unprecedented attacks on basic healthcare access and targeted attempts by extremists to mislead and divide our community on this issue, this November Latinos will be key deciders on abortion access across the country.

Mari Urbina, Managing Director of Indivisible, Battleground Arizona Lead and former Harry Reid advisor.

Héctor Sánchez Barba is president and CEO of Mi Familia Vota (MFV).

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