I had the privilege of speaking to Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca, a queer, badass storyteller who is passionate about preserving our Black and Brown queer and trans history. We talked about the importance of preserving our stories, controlling our narrative, and how one overcomes hardships and copes with grief. Louie and I both lost our brothers to violence, and while we both grew up without our fathers around, Louie would later become a father himself. He talks about what it means to be a queer father to a Black son and the fears that stem from living under white supremacy. In this moving episode, we talk about envisioning a world where Black and Brown people are free from racism, homophobia, transphobia, and get to live a life filled with joy.
Guest Bio:
Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca (He/Him) is Director of LGBTQ Health & Rights at Advocates for Youth, where he works community-based organizations throughout the country to strengthen their capacity in working with LGBTQ young people. He also works in partnership with young people living with HIV to combat stigma, and hosts a YouTube series for LGBTQ youth, Kikis with Louie. Outside of the organization, Louie is the creator of Gran Varones, digital project that highlights community storytelling and queer pop-culture history.
Episode Sponsors:
Cognicare Psychological Services (cognicarepsych.com)
Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
