“Ivelisse Rodriguez conceives exquisite misery and makes alchemy of hopelessness in her debut short story collection Love War Stories(Feminist Press). In these tales, febrile adoration is returned with a slap, infidelity, and duplicity. Characters in this collection wade, and sometimes drown, in pools of delusion, eyes fixed on perceptions of idealized love. Rodriguez is…
French Feminism from the Intersections
“The main difference between Black people in France and in the U.S. is that in the U.S. people don’t question if you are American. In France you are always questioned.” Rokhaya Diallo—journalist, filmmaker, author and one of France’s most ardent activists—stands at the intersection of race and feminism, shouting through a bullhorn, holding a mirror up…
Motherlands Become Otherlands
“For Black Latinx in the U.S., bicultural, bilingual ― if they are lucky ― and born to immigrant parents, there is no motherland.” Motherland is an idea – a place where one can walk without being treated according to preconceived ideas based on the exterior, the surface of our skin. I journeyed a lifetime in…
Why Aren’t We Telling Each Other We’re Trying to Make Babies?
Your co-workers are doing it. Your girlfriends are doing it. Celebrities are damn sure doing it. I’m not talking about a diet fad or a makeup trend. I’m talking about trying to make a baby. With 6.1 million women in the U.S. ages 15-44 experiencing difficulty conceiving, the question is—why aren’t we talking to each…
The Emotional Side of Living Abroad
What’s it really like to leave everything behind, like your mom and your dog, to live abroad? No worries. I have all your answers right here. “This ain’t just for all my single ladies. This is for all of you in long-term relationships and budding romances too. Whether you are a newlywed, an empty nester,…
Stand Still and Listen: The Vinyl Museum of Salsoteca
By Maria V. Luna Last night in London, the Terrace Bar at Tate Modern hosted a pop-up exhibition, Social Cement “Salsoteca.” A project by Lucy Harrison, Social Cement “Salsoteca” was an electrifying, multimodal exhibition featuring 7 DJs, walls adorned with album covers conceived in the golden age of salsa, and PBS’ “The Salsa Revolution” screening…
In The SisStar Loop
At times, while doggie-paddling in uncharted waters, I encounter women who hold their knowledge and support close to the vest, offering no tidbit of guidance or counsel. Other times, I encounter women who mother me into advancement in tender ways. While this morning’s experience with a micro-aggression markswoman left me bereft of confidence, it…
REVEL IN SOUTH AFRICA!
(First appeared in LatinTRENDS Magazine) Photos by Alex Thomas For anyone who has held the dream of touring South Africa since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it’s time to make that travel dream come true. Set aside as much time as possible in order to see as much as you can of this varied and…
AFRO LATINOS: Un pedazito de la historia negra
Whether you consider yourself Afro Latino or not, if you ever find yourself bochinchando with your asere, picking the best looking guineos, platanos or ñame for dinner, dancing merengue, ordering a big plate of feijoada, or simply enjoying a cup of café in the morning, then you have indeed indulged in a bit of your…
Marc Anthony’s Debut Concert in the UK
On Sunday night, London’s Latinos came by the thousands to witness salsa legend Marc Anthony’s first UK concert. The Spanish Harlem native opened with “Valió la pena,” a stylistic staple in the singer’s repertoire of gorgeous lyrics, and a lingering pace that is marked by the clang of a cymbal which speeds the rhythm up…
IN THE FACE OF VIOLENCE: HOW LATINOS CAN SHOW SUPPORT
During these confused and disheartening times, difficult conversations are taking place across the country. Many are left feeling powerless and angry. As we Latinos, take in the media’s coverage, speak to our family and friends, and witness the unfurling of events, let us be reminded that we are not helpless and we can be…
Maria V. Luna 