The arts play a critical role in telling stories that are often hidden. At a time when Latinx and LGBTQ communities are under massive attack, FUERZAfest creates a safe space where brown queer and trans people can come together to celebrate one another, enjoy each other's brilliance in art, dance and theater and engage in much-needed social discussion.
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We are still elated by the support of all who showed up at the VAPA Center last Saturday and Sunday for our pop-up FUERZAfest Charlotte.
We had the opportunity to honor the first LGBTQ Latino elected official in North Carolina, Eliazar Posada with the Visibility Award; Founder & Executive Director of Asheboro Latinxs Services, Tania Jiménez with the Community Service Award; and Founder & Executive Director of The Freedom Center for Social Justice, Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls with the Advocate for Change Award (Cameron Pruette accepted the award on her behalf).
An astonishing lineup of performers brought the heat to our stage: Singer, Musician and Songwriter Quisol, Singer Songwriter Florecita, Miss Charlotte Pride Jayla Serena Mitchell, Mx Charlotte Pride Lolita Chanel, Mr. Charlotte Pride Oso Chanel, The Diamond XL and Arianna López.
And a powerful group of visual the artists showcased their work at the “”Unapologetically”” pop-up art exhibit: Stephanie Silva, Miguel Anaya, Luis Carle, José Chacón, Seil Roman, Pablo Tesoriere, Francisco Gonzalez, Joel Motta, and Izzy Ortega.
Our gratitude to Daniel Valdez who was the moderator of our panel “Embracing The Power of Storytelling to Drive Change.”
Hispanic Federation’s FUERZAfest Charlotte was possible with the support of our amazing funders and partners: The City of Charlotte, ASC Charlottte, Foundation for the Carolinas; Bank of America, Asheboro Latinx Services, Charlotte Pride, Diamante Arts & Clulture, The Freedom Center for Social Justice, Charlotte Gaymers Network, Cine Casual, and Obra Collective.
Empodé rate
On Thursday, October, 26 - FUERZAfest’s Director Mario Colón represented Hispanic Federation at the Empoderate LGBTQ+ Leadership Academy in Puerto Rico presented by Waves Ahead.
He was part of the “Artivismo” panel discussion and had the opportunity to talk about FUERZAfest and the importance of the arts and culture as tools in the fight for inclusion, visibility and resistance for LGBTQ people.
With him on the panel:
Alyssa Hunter, RuPaul Drag Race - Season 14
Carmen Oquendo, Documentary Filmmaker
José Chacón, Conceptual Artist.
Moderated by Kim Moore
GLAAD - Dímelo
‘Dímelo’ GLAAD’s new digital series which takes an irreverent look at identity & representation from the perspective of four LGBTQ Latine comedians. The series is hosted and produced by our friend Gabe González who curated FUERZAfest first comedy night: ¿En Serio? and whom you may know through his work with GLAAD or through his comedy. Follow him @gaybonez on Instagram. You can watch the second episode, featuring Joel Pérez.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Contact Stephen Calenzani, Vice President for Development at 212.233.8955 ext. 124 or scalenzani@hispanicfederation.org, and learn how your support can make the difference for Latinx LGBTQ+ artists.
CONTACT US
55 Exchange Place, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10005
T. (212) 233-8955 Ext. 118
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