“Some of us are presently in that one in four and know first hand that the epidemic is being driven by racism, homophobia, poverty and stigma. Some of us know that we bear the great burden of HIV infection in our community. Unfortunately, only some us know that these statistics DO NOT mean that we have failed each other or that we have not been doing our best to sustain ourselves as Latino MSM. What these statistics mean is that the system and the prevention organizations charged with reaching us have failed us on many levels.”
THE GRAN VARONES
The Gran Varones is a legacy project that uses stories for Latino & Afro-Latino Gay and Queer* menresurrections are real.
to all of the varones who once lied on hospital beds with a sinking t-cell count counting the minutes until you could hold down down your food.
to all of the varones who avoided looking into mirrors because the sunken face reflection did not reflect the beauty you behold.
to all of the varones who pieced themselves back together piece by piece after the violence of stigma left them broken and beat. to all the varones who survive life by surviving one night at a muthafuggin’ time.
we salute you.
we praise you.
because even AIDS, stigma, homophobia, racism, white supremacy, and oppression can’t keep us from rising. and when we become ancestors, we will continue rise in the voices of those who speak our names without shame.
so keep rising varones because resurrections are real.
Louie: So Happy Birthday!
Juan: Yes! Thanks Mom and Dad. I am 42 and still going strong.
Louie: How are you different at 42 than when you were 22?
Juan: I’m not so much in a rush. Family is my main goal and enjoying our time together. I also am into photography. I love taking pictures all around Philadelphia.
Louie: What is the greatest lesson you have learned and how did you learn it.
Juan: Believe in love and I found that out through heartbreak.
Louie: You’re a twin, right? How are y'all different?
Juan: He’s smarter and more analytical. I’m more social and kinder…maybe even a little more naive.
Louie: You’re the cuter one?
Juan: No comment! LOL
Juan Carlos Ortiz, Philadelphia
Interviewed & Photographed by: Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca
if your skin browns
only because of the sun,
there is not a thing,
not a single one
you can tell us
about how we engage
with our blackness
or which tactics
we utilized in our fight for freedom.
the gran varones
