This week bring you a performance and conversation with San Antonio legend Anel Flores!! Chibbi, Eddie V and Anel talk about sexuality, religion, activism, labels, San Antonio, becoming and being a writer, and so much more! Tune in to get to know the person behind the poetry!
Anel I. Flores was awarded Women’s Advocate of the Year from University of Texas San Antonio and the Nebrija Creadores Award from the Universidad de Alcala de Henares in Madrid, Spain. Flores was named Best Of San Antonio Local Author, the Chingona in Literature Award, the Ancinas Award at Squaw Valley, the NALAC Fund for the Arts Award, the Accion Women Inspiring Women Award, the Yellow Rose of Texas Educator Award, and the Mentorship Leadership Award from the National Performance Network. She is co-editor of forthcoming Jota Anthology with Korima Press and author of Lambda literary award nominated book Empanada: A Lesbiana Story en Probaditas. Flores holds her MFA in Creative Writing, is a member of the Macondo Writers Workshop, the Society for the Study of Gloria Anzaldua and the National Association of Latina/os in Arts and Culture. Among various anthologies and magazines, Flores’ work can be found in Entre Guadalupe y Malinche: Tejanas in Literature and Art with UT Press, The Jota Anthology, Queer Spiritualities, Rooted: A Queer Women of Color Anthology, El Mundo Zurdo Anthology, The Brillantina Project, Sinister Wisdom This City Is A Poem, Raspa Magazine, OutInSA Magazine, iungo Arts Magazine, the Lodestar Quarterly, The Pitkin Literary Review and La Voz de Esperanza. Her play Empanada toured for ten years throughout the University and Theater circuit and continues to be produced today. She is currently in the process of completing her forthcoming book, Cortinas de Lluvia, a series of Children’s books and a graphic memoir titled, Pintada de Rojo. Her teaching career includes eleven years in public schools and at University, four years in Education and Arts Administration, and various community literary workshops. In addition to her writing, Flores’ is a professional author, oil painter, with 25+ years of experience, documenting the imagery and themes vibrant among the LGBTQ+ experience and creates a handcrafted line of ethically sourced sterling silver jewelry at Anel I. Flores Studio, located in San Antonio, Texas. While not working in the arts, Flores her boutique real estate company A&N Realty and contributes to her community as the founder of Queer Voices, an advisory board member at Macondo Writers Workshop, a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Board with Ron NIrenburg, and is a loyal advocate for the Transgender and LGBTQ+ Community. Previously, she served as a board member at Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, The Pride Center San Antonio, San Antonio Youth Literacy and was Co-Founder and Grant Coordinator at LezRideSA. She does all this with the overflowing love of her queer familia and the patience and support from her magical wife, Erika and their two brilliant daughters, Jessica and Klarissa.
