In The Community
Understand that queerness is natural
Photo by Andra C Taylor Jr on UnsplashIf you’re not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, when did you realize you were straight? You’ve probably never had to ask yourself that question before because your sexual orientation isn’t something you chose. It’s just who you are, and the same can be said about queer people. Queerness is a natural part of someone’s being; realizing that and explaining it to others is essential to showing them respect and understanding.
Respect someone’s pronouns
Photo by Katie Rainbow 🏳️🌈 on UnsplashMisgendering isn’t something to be taken lightly because it can be hurtful. Not to mention invalidating. It’s always a good rule of thumb to ask for someone’s pronouns. Social media is also a good way to check someone’s pronouns, as they’re usually added to the person’s bio. If checking social media isn’t an option at the moment or you’re too socially awkward to ask, you can start by using “they,” which is gender-neutral, and go from there. Whether you ask or go the gender-neutral way, you can be a million dollars the person you’re addressing will feel seen and valued.
Correct misgendering whenever you can
Photo by Alexander Grey on UnsplashWhenever you hear someone misgendering a person you know or someone who has made their pronouns clear, correct them. It can be exhausting for trans and non-binary people to do it themselves, so they often opt for letting it slide. Having someone step in and support them can mean the world to them. It’s also the right thing to do! We’re all humans, we deserve to be addressed in a way that makes us feel as such.
Don’t assume anyone’s preferences
Photo by Ana Enriquez on UnsplashOne common mistake a lot of people make is assuming the preferences of queer people. Generally, it’s important not to assume that just because someone is gay, pansexual, asexual, or anything in between, they’re attracted to every person of the same gender or they’re incapable of attraction, respectively. While interesting and open conversations can be had about this topic in confidence, it’s important to respect people’s boundaries.
Educate other people about being allyship and queerness
Photo by Aiden Craver on UnsplashUnderstanding queer people and being a good ally for the Latino LGBTQ+ community requires us to educate ourselves. There’s no way around that! The more we learn, the better we’ll be able not just to engage with queer people and talk about the issues that concern them, but also educate other people. One way to educate people around you is to just discuss things you’ve learned about the LGBTQ+ community with friends and family. Correcting people when you hear them making ignorant comments and having conversations is another way to do it.
Share your platform
Photo by Diana Reyes on Pexels
It’s no surprise to anyone that cisgender and heterosexual people often dominate conversations. That’s why making space for queer voices, especially within your Latino community, is so important. Whether your platform is small or large, amplifying queer voices, experiences, and stories is an effective way to create awareness, promote inclusivity, and acknowledge diverse viewpoints.
Provide financial support whenever possible
Photo by Mercedes Mehling on UnsplashDonating money to organizations and charities that support LGBTQ+ youth and adults, including Latinos, is a great way to put your money where your mouth is. Even $1 can make a difference if you can’t afford anything more and you can also encourage people around you to donate. Whatever donation you make can improve their lives a little and go towards creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Acknowledge your privilege and use it for good
Photo by Antonio Herrera Palacios on Pexels
If you don’t identify as LGBTQ+, you must become aware of the few privileges that it has given you in life. At the very least, you haven’t experienced discrimination or alienation just because of your gender identity or sexuality. Once you acknowledge your privilege, you can use it to defend people who are marginalized and discriminated against. Standing on the sidelines is no way to be a good ally and it only perpetuates injustices. Actively contribute to making the Latino community and society at large more inclusive for the queer community.
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At Luz, we champion these less-explored narratives and unheard voices. Today, we present a handpicked list of films that fuse queer narratives with Latine creativity, spanning stirring coming-of-age stories to compelling dramas, all poised to inspire, move, and provoke thought.
Mosquita y Mari (2012)
Image Credit: IMDB
Directed by the gifted Aurora Guerrero, "Mosquita y Mari" is a coming-of-age tale that brings to life the complexities of adolescence, identity, and blossoming queer romance. The film's protagonists, Yolanda, an excellent student, and Mari, a rebellious newcomer, meet as high school friends in their Huntington Park neighborhood in Los Angeles. Their relationship evolves, subtly and authentically, eventually challenging their traditional expectations of friendship and compelling them to reflect on their ambitions and dreams.
A Fantastic Woman (2017)
Image Credit: IMDB
Directed by Sebastián Lelio, "A Fantastic Woman" is a Chilean film that tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman who faces prejudice and discrimination after her partner's death. The film is notable for its delicate handling of transgender identity and for its lead, Daniela Vega, a trans woman, adding authenticity and depth to the character. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, reinforcing its critical and cultural significance.
The Garden Left Behind (2019)
Image Credit: IMDB
"The Garden Left Behind" is a sensitive and thought-provoking film directed by Flavio Alves. This independent film centers around Tina, a young, undocumented Mexican trans woman, as she navigates her daily life in New York City. As Tina struggles with societal acceptance and battles the bureaucracy of healthcare, she finds strength in her community and her relationship with her grandmother. "The Garden Left Behind" provides a rare look into the lives of undocumented, transgender, and immigrant communities, offering a nuanced depiction of resilience and identity.
Sand Dollars (2014)
Image Credit: IMDB
Co-directed by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas, "Sand Dollars" is a nuanced drama exploring a transactional queer relationship. The film focuses on Noeli, a young Dominican woman and tourist escort, involved in a complex relationship with an older French woman, Anne. Amidst the power dynamics and emotional complexities, Noeli plans to use Anne to secure a visa to reunite with her mother in Barcelona. Based on Jean-Noel Pancrazi's novel, the film stands as a unique addition to queer, Latine cinema with its impending sequel, "Noelí Overseas".
XXY (2007)
Image Credit: IMDB
Directed by Argentine author, screenwriter, and film director Lucía Puenzo, “XXY” explores the rarely depicted life of an intersex teenager. Inés Efron stars as Alex, a 15-year-old intersex person living in Uruguay as a girl, suppressing her masculine features with medication. As Alex navigates the complexities of her identity amidst societal pressures and her mother's desire for her to get sex reassignment surgery, she starts a relationship with the son of a visiting surgeon. The film is a poignant critique of the need to conform to social norms and how parents’ need to define their children by a specific gender can be more harmful than supportive. These topics are still relevant today. This wouldn’t be the last time Puenzo explores queer experiences through her work, which brings us to…
The Fish Child (2009)
Image Credit: IMDB
In “The Fish Child,” Lucía Puenzo continues her exploration of queer themes with a thrilling narrative. The film stars Inés Efron as Lala, a wealthy girl who gets involved in a murder that threatens to incriminate her and her girlfriend, Ailin. As they plan to escape to Paraguay, their journey becomes a tense fight against societal injustices and personal secrets. Combining film noir with magical realism, “The Fish Child” touches on themes like class, abuse, and misogyny, with a focus on the resilience of the lesbian couple at the center of it.
Extra-Terrestrials (2016)
Image Credit: IMDB
Puerto Rican director and screenwriter Carla Cavina's “Extra-Terrestrials” is a sci-fi dramedy featuring one of the first same-sex couples in Puerto Rican cinema. Teresa, played by Marisé Álvarez, returns home to Puerto Rico with her partner Daniela, aiming to reveal her sexuality to her family. The film dives into the secrets and complexities within Teresa's family, highlighting the universal struggle for acceptance and connection that many LGBTQ+ people go through, especially within Latino culture.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023)
Image Credit: IMDB
Directed by Cuban Aitch Alberto, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a touching coming-of-age story set in 1987 in El Paso, Texas. The film follows two Latino boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they explore their feelings for each other amidst societal and internalized homophobia. Alberto did a wonderful job at capturing the tender, profound emotions of self-discovery and the challenges of being Latine and queer in the 1980s.
In the shared language of emotion and empathy, cinema has the power to unite diverse experiences. These films represent an important segment of queer, Latine-directed cinema, each offering a unique lens into the realities of queer lives within the Latine context. As the world of cinema grows more inclusive and diverse, we look forward to more such narratives that continue to break barriers and celebrate the diversity of the human experience.
Angie Xtravaganza was born in New York City in the mid-1960s and grew up in an era of social change. Yet, like many transgender individuals, her childhood and adolescence were marked by a struggle with gender identity. She found herself living in a society that couldn't comprehend her feelings, but despite the adversities, her resilience shone through as she sought acceptance and respect for who she was.
Angie Xtravaganzawww.youtube.com
It was in the ballroom scene that Angie found her voice and her family. Originating in New York City, the ballroom culture provided a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those of color, who were ostracized from their homes and communities. Here, Angie found the House of Xtravaganza, one of the most famous "houses" or alternative families in the ballroom community. Angie quickly rose in the ranks to become the "Mother" of the House of Xtravaganza, the first Latina to hold such a position.
As "Mother" Xtravaganza, Angie led by example, setting standards for performance and personal conduct. Her house, under her leadership, went on to win several titles and accolades in the ballroom scene, creating a legacy that stands today. More importantly, Angie's role was that of a surrogate mother to young queer and transgender Latines, providing them with a support system when their own families turned them away.
Image Source: Angie Xtravaganza Facebook PageImage Source: Angie Xtravaganza Facebook Page
Angie's impact, however, extended far beyond the ballroom. She used her growing prominence to address the systemic issues plaguing the LGBTQ+ community, especially those related to queer and transgender people of color. She was instrumental in educating people about HIV/AIDS at a time when the disease was highly stigmatized and misunderstood. Her advocacy efforts were driven by her own experiences, as she saw many of her friends and "children" from the ballroom community succumb to the disease.
She was one of the key subjects in Jennie Livingston's documentary "Paris Is Burning" (1990), which brought the ballroom culture and the struggles of its community members to mainstream attention. Through this documentary, Angie became a visible figure representing transgender women of color, shattering stereotypes and raising awareness about their struggles in a society largely ignorant and indifferent to their reality.
David DePino Xtravaganza, Danni Xtravaganza, Mother Angie Xtravaganza, Jose Disla Xtravaganza in Details magazine October 1988. Source: Hector Valle XtravaganzaSource: https://granvarones.com/hector-valle-xtravaganza/
Angie Xtravaganza passed away in 1993, at the age of 28. Yet, her legacy continues to thrive. The House of Xtravaganza remains one of the most renowned houses in the ballroom community, embodying Angie's ideals of love, acceptance, and resilience.
Angie Xtravaganza was more than just a notable figure in the LGBTQ+ community; she was a trailblazer, an advocate, and a beacon of hope. She exemplified the strength inherent in embracing one's identity and used her platform to uplift others in her community. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and resilience of queer culture, particularly in the face of societal stigma and adversity. Today, as we celebrate the achievements and progress of the LGBTQ+ movement, we remember Angie Xtravaganza and the profound impact she had on countless lives.
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