foreverthesoniag

[foreverthesoniag]

🐢💐✨This is what 33 looks like. I’m excited about what this new year around the sun will bring. I’m calling in all the care, all the yummy foods, more reflections, more gender affirming ways of existing, more naps, and more #art #poems. I’m learning how to celebrate myself- I’m not good at it. During these past 2 years I’ve noticed how small I’ve made myself, how I brush off milestones and downplay big accomplishments, how much I question my body and downplay my smart. Idk where this shame and uncomfortableness came from. Maybe I’ve grown to be more introvert and quiet and the heaviness of the world just depletes and all I want to do is retrieve. Maybe it’s all the isms that constantly has me questioning my worth. Might also be a mixture of depression and isolation. I know I’m trying my best to human. This 33rd year I want to feel good about myself, feel good/affirmed in my body and own my shit. I want to celebrate myself and celebrate community and celebrate with community. So this is me calling that in, owning this beauty and brilliance and glory and learning to be human in this changing world. Cheers to more therapy sessions and more nature activities and more dancing. Cheers to more loving moments with chosen fam. 🌊✨So this summer let it be hot-girl-summer and celebrate-them-summer and rested-artist-summer and we-cheer-each-other-summer. Everyone in their 30’s or entering their 30’s I’m wishing us all the tender care and rest that we’ve been craving since that middle school summer break. Here’s to us wearing those shorts we always wanted to wear, being called by our correct pro-nouns, swimming with the beach outfit that makes us feel alive, sleeping peacefully and rooting for each other!! And I hope to see you all on the road for #Somewherewearehuman . Tonight at @booksoup in person, NYC event on June 27th in person hosted by @booksaremagicbk at Invisible Dog Art Center , and then closing out June with a virtual talk with @migrantroots on June 28th. Excited to celebrate with you and to celebrate you this summer!! #pride #pridemonth #immigrantheritagemonth #migration #queer #poet #papifemme (at Tongva Land) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfE9YNFvENS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

🌿When we think of creative ecosystems I want us to think of friends, family, fellow community members… Creative ecosystems live among us not in some gated community or in academia or some fancy residency. We imagine in community. What a pleasure to bring some of my favorite #queer #migrant artists together for this platica . When @junecanedodesouza extended an invitation to be part of Memory-Material week long migrant archival programming at @moca among incredible artists and cultural workers ( @she_govinda @astoldbytsige @woodspoon @mycielo_org @000000.33333_ @adampiron @darolkae_ @foxm4xy @zena.sz ) all I could think of is that I wanted to be among kin . So we did that…breathing, laughing and exchanging words in a living room. Bringing together these brilliant cuties ( @alexa_lapintora @fei.hernandez @migrantscribble @gotfran ) on a Sunday- seated on a couch talking about artistry and home and care and exchanging poetry. What a memory we built together. Thank you @junecanedodesouza for not only the invitation but the resources and support. Thank you to the entire @moca staff. And also shout outs to @she_govinda for closing with such a heart filling experience. From tea, to love, to music. Thank you !! Eternally grateful to be able to imagine and exist with you! #migration #qtpoc #pridemonth #immigrantheritagemonth #nonbinary #poet (at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CexVKsar2q8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

🌵🌴Today join me at @moca for the last day of “Memory - Material” week long program (Beautifully curated by @junecanedodesouza ). I got the opportunity to bring together some of my favorite #queer #migrant artists and we are going to talk about #migration , our craft, home making, and care. And you gonna hear us read some poetry. Please join us at 4pm in person . [ Proof of vaccination is required ] #art #nostalgiaandborders #pride #immigrantheritagemonth #qtpoc #nonbinary (at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeuFdBBPdxh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

🌿🌁 quick trip to #SF means reunion with these cuties and brilliant cultural workers: @smingsmingbooks , @pjpolicarpio & Dorothy . Plus @cucucumbiaa who was taking the photo. Thank you for your support. This book is for you! And Bay Area I’ll swing by again soon. So many memories and so much yummy food spots to visit!✨✈️✨ #art #migrant #immigrantheritagemonth #somewherewearehuman #nonbinary #pride (at San Francisco, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CepgMHnLmO7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

I’ve been trying to process this whirlwind of publishing through a big press. I’ve self published before , been on beautiful anthologies, and navigated the literary world as #undocumented #queer #nonbinary #indigenous person these past decade and a half and it was really hard and lonely at times. Now, published through @harperviabooks @harpercollins and it is not just one of us but a bunch of us. 41 #migrants in total! 41 poets, essayist, artists, photographers, organizers, and scholars. As we move through these spaces and accomplishments and milestones we bring everyone with us!! We been receiving great reviews from @ms_magazine @motherjonesmag and so many bookstores highlighting #Somewherewearehuman as a book to read! Thank you! ✨The best review I got was from my grandpa who is featured in one of my poems in the book. I think of him and our migrant elders in these moments. We dream big along with them , not for them. We share our stories not to give them voices (because they were never voiceless) but to join their choir of resistance, joy, and power. I did not arrive to this book alone, I arrive with you all. Thank you to every single one of you for rooting for this book, for purchasing a copy, for posting online, for buying copies for your staff and teenagers, for moving them from the Essay section to the #Pride section because hello this book is hella #queer!! Big love to my family specially my aunt Titi for capturing video of my grandpa in @barnesandnoble ( which you can pick up physical copies from). You can purchase online through @bookshop_org and @target . Continue supporting #migrant #undocumented voices!! And let’s get this book on to @nytimes bestseller for this #pridemonth #immigrantheritagemonth !! Tun in tomorrow to @harpercollins IG where I will be taking over and jumping on live with @afrodominicanxthings !! Representing for NY!! Don’t forget to join us in BK on June 27 with @thejesucia @emiliafiallo @just.tle at @booksaremagicbk (off site location-click my bio for tickets) . Bay Are folks catch us tonight at @medicinefornightmares 8pm. #migrant #bookstagram #qtpoc (at New York City, N.Y.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cel6BbtpOHx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

🌈✨A big shout outs to the #Queer #Trans #nonbinary #undocumented #migrants who made this anthology possible! It was important for me to make sure that #qtpoc #undocumented voices were front and center in this anthology. Even among our #migrant communities our work is often erased or minimized. It was #undocumented #queer #trans community organizers and #artists that led our movement work. Think back in 2010 where a radical shift happen in migrant discourse , in organizing art and policy spaces , and direct action work —- that was #undocuqueer folks!! “undocumented unafraid and unapologetic” was brought to you by us queer folks in the space!! I know during #pridemonth we are lifted, but I hope our work continues to be lifted, cited, celebrated beyond June. To my beloved Queer Trans Non-binary contributors- thank you for your tremendous work, vision, intentional frameworks and analysis, and everything that you bring to this world!! I consider you part of my extended family! To my beloved chosen fam: Rommyyy123 @l_arely Lylliam, @juliosalgado83 @alexa_lapintora thank you for years of friendship and love!! Life has been possible because of you!! I can’t wait for folks to read and see your work in bookstore stands and across the country! Thank you to all our Queer Trans migrant community who showed up yesterday to support. What a reunion!! Thank you always!! Make sure to go grab your copy tomorrow June 7th when book officially is in stores!! [ Ps: I love my prom photo with @rommyyy123 . Thank you @siempretupapi for capturing!] #migration #lgbt #lgbtq #papifemme #art #literature #book (at The Mistake Room) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeeebQzvZo3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

Wow!! Y’all did that!! What a magical afternoon. First of all thank you to the 150+ people who showed up for our #SomeWhereWeAreHuman book launch!! The energy in the room was everything! This book could not have been possible without your love!!! A big thank you to @themistakeroom & @exilecontent team for making this event possible. I also want to thank @chirla_org @nouswithoutyou @informed_immigrant ( who also provided the music) for being in the space and sharing resources with community!! Thank you to @undernewmgmt for the flower arrangements!! Thank to all our contributors for your craft and for bringing your pieces to life in the space! The book officially is in stores tomorrow June 7th!! Please go out and get a copy!! Support migrant stories!! And catch us in your state soon!! We have many readings and talks coming up! #art #migration #undocumented #bookstagram #literature (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeeRPY2P47_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

🌈✨Excited to share #SomewhereWeAreHuman book tour!! We are hitting the road this June both virtually and in person. Here are some confirmed dates!! Tomorrow book launch hosted at @themistakeroom !! After that on June 9th @writerreynagrande & I will be in SF for a special reading at the Flor y Canto Literary Festival at @medicinefornightmares . June 15 virtual event with @brazosbookstore . And NYC 🗽 June 27th for a special reading with some our east coast contributors : @thejesucia @emiliafiallo @just.tle @afrodominicanxthings and me!!! Adjacent events: In LA June 12 join me @alexa_lapintora @migrantscribble @fei.hernandez @gotfran at @moca for a penal conversation on migration, #queerness and artistry. Big thank you to @junecanedodesouzaaa for inviting me to partake in her Memory-Material week long programming!! And shout outs to @rezgirlsbookclub for making #SomeWhereWeAreHuman book of the month for June and I’ll be making a quick appearance on their book club meet up on June 26th. And remember the book is in stores June 7th!! So go grab a copy for yourself, your titi , your grandma and cutie!! Thank you everyone for supporting #migrant stories!! What a way to kick of #pridemonth #pride , #immigrantheritagemonth and my birthday month !!! ✨✨💕🌈 #poet #bookstagram #booktok #lgbt #migration #literature https://www.instagram.com/p/CeZT_zsv_3o/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

I see the 🌈everywhere on my timeline which must mean #Pride is here!! Remember Pride started as a riot!! Remember it was Black and Brown Trans and Non-binary folks like #marshapjohnson #silviarivera #stormedelarverie that led this Queer Gay Trans Liberation!! Remember that all these corporations are going to change their icons to rainbow colors but their messaging will fall short because they have yet to hire QTPOC folks , or have any QTPOC in leadership or any real commitment to community! What is your commitment to our #lgbtq🌈 community? Remember that Trans folks across the country need your support and allyship. For the cis straight people in the back, remember that you buying a rainbow flag in our support is not enough. We need you to move back, we need you to redistribute your wealth and resources, we need you to rally and march when our rights are under attack. From anti-trans legislation, to anti-immigrant policies, to anti-abortion —- we need you to have our back and fight with us. And for our young #queer #trans youth, we love you and we are actively trying to imagine and push for better worlds. For our Queer Trans elders, we remember you always and we are grateful for your work and vision and your name goes unsaid. For my #Trans #nonbinary siblings , I see you and what an honor to exist among you. Here for us living and breathing and enjoying life and celebrating and imaging!! Shout outs to the #lgbtq #artists , cultural workers and healers because we keep dreaming and showing what’s possible!! Pride is a celebration, a reflection, a moment to pause, a moment to live but also it is a moment to reground into our community!! Happy #pridemonth ! https://www.instagram.com/p/CeUARXlJO92/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

My heart hurts too much… from Buffalo to Uvalde . Our people deserve more than this. They deserve better worlds , better policies, better care, better futures. They deserve action and not just a “breaking news” and then “normalcy” . Our people deserve childhoods and a life not cut short to guns, violence, and white supremacy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeAE-ZwpjYW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

🎉🎓Biggest congratulations to all the #undocumented and #LGBTQIA students graduating these upcoming weeks. You did it!! And we are so proud of you! ✨I had the honor of keynoting the @tdrc_csuf ‘s Undocu Recognition and the @lgbtq.csuf ‘s Lavender Celebration this past weekend. I have not cried this much out of joy. Sharing space and bearing witness to all these amazing students was everything!! What an incredible world we live in because of them! Shout outs to Nat and Areli for inviting me and for creating these important safe spaces. Shout outs to the fabulous Drag Queens @missgiaferrari and @thee.milan.dee for great performances. Thank you to @l_arely , Lylliam, and @rommyyy123 for supporting me on this day. #graduation #migrant #qtpoc #artist #draqueen #classof2022 #lgbtq #pride #nonbinary (at California State University, Fullerton) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtiQPcP3o1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

✨This!! Mark your calendars!!✨Join me and @writerreynagrande as we kick off the book release of #SomeWhereWeAreHuman in Los Angeles! Sunday June 5th from 3-6pm. Come celebrate our #migrant communities, our contributors, and our stories!! What better way to kick off #Pride and #immigrantheritagemonth than with this celebration! Stay tuned for more information. #undocumented #undocuqueer #LA #migration #art #book (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdgt5sJvRjP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

#happymothersday to all the migrant mamás out there that carved all the beautiful magical worlds we be imagining. Love to all of us moving through all the tender and complicated relationships. Love to all our movement mother’s that made us into these leaders and community organizers we are now and are becoming. Love to all who move through all the aches of mourning moms and abuelitas that have passed away in our home countries. Shout outs to all of our aunts and titi’s. Shout outs to all of us also being mami’s and daddy’s to ourselves and to our fur babies and green babies ( dogs / cats / plants). #migrant #undocumented #family https://www.instagram.com/p/CdUYfCYNVJh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

✨‼️Caption and these first two slides via: @ashandchess : “there’s too much to say…. this draft opinion is disgusting but not surprising. and it doesn’t stop here. courts are already out here criminalizing trans bodies, so this attack on bodily autonomy should come at no surprise. donate to abortion funds TODAY. people will continue to have abortions, and local communities will continue to provide loving care. the government has no interest in keeping us safe, so we have to seek liberation by caring for our communities first. let’s make sure they can do so safely by donating to these organizations . donate & follow these orgs & add any other orgs in the comments! “ abortionfunds @keepourclinics @ineedanacom @shoutyourabortion @plancpills @heyjanehealth @sistersong_woc . . . #roevwade #safeabortion #abortioncare #abortion #prochoice #ashandchess #infographic #graphicdesign #typography https://www.instagram.com/p/CdJE7XWrn4W/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

✨🎉So excited to share with you all the official launch of @houseofalegria ✨This project began as an idea i had in 2016 to support the next generation of emerging migrant creatives. We at House of Alegría believe that migrant and Queer/Trans/Non-Binary creatives deserve space to imagine, deserve time to rest, deserve to be in a nurturing ecosystem that feels regenerative and collaborative. We trust in the power of artists and storytellers, and their self-determination and autonomy. We wish to cultivate the shared knowledge of our cultural workers and move towards a world where migrant and Queer/Trans/Non-Binary artists are supported in their craft, growth, creativity, and imagination. And we do this through an Artist in Residence Program, in house publishing press, community workshops, and consultations. Our 2022 Inaugural Artist in Residence is @alexa_lapintora . *To read more about the multiple parts of this project visit HouseofAlegría.com House of Alegría is named after my paternal grandmother, Alegría Guiñansaca. An Indigenous Kichwa woman born in Cumbe, Ecuador.*Alegría is a Spanish word which translates to “joy” in English. In her honor, and in the same sentiment this multi-fold project is intended for migrant artists who are looking for a “home” that honors, respects, and celebrates their artistry and well-being. A big gratitude to Advisory Board for supporting this dream of mine . So much more to come! #undocumented #migrant #artist #art #publishinghouse #artistinresidence #culturalworker #qtpoc #queer #nonbinary https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc83ihBvX-G/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

✨Big congrats to @alexa_lapintora . She has her first big exhibition opening tomorrow 4/23 4-9pm at @thegarciacenterforthearts . Her #art touches on #migration , children, and reclaiming our childhood. ✨@Repost @thegarciacenterforthearts ・・・ABRIL 23°! 4PM-9PM Están bienvenidos a acompañarnos al estreno de la exposición, "Cisne." Presentada por artista Alexa Vasquez (@alexa_lapintora) Miles de niños cruzan la frontera de los Estados Unidos cada año, muchos de ellos sin acompañantes y menores de 12 años. Estamos viendo que estos números aumentan debido al cambio climático, la hambruna, la guerra, la violencia sistémica, el crimen y la opresión. Al llegar a Estados Unidos los niños migrantes se vuelven parte de mayores sistemas de explotación; sistemas de lucro, detención y encarcelamiento. El Sueño Americano, por más bonito que parezca, se convierte en una Jaula de Oro. O en los EE. UU. de hoy, niños en jaulas reales. Cisne es una celebración visual de mi propia historia como niño migrante. Es a través de este majestuoso pájaro queer migratorio que he formado lazos con mi propia migración, mi queerness, ancestros y arte. Cisne, soy yo reclamando y reimaginando una infancia queer difícil en los Estados Unidos a través de medios mixtos. Es a través del arte que quiero presentar un espectáculo que es lúdico, alegre y aún político. Porque los niños migrantes no son ganancias, ni números. No somos temas políticos que los políticos puedan sacar de sus bolsillos para ganar otra presidencia. Llevamos historias. Llevamos recuerdos, tristeza y alegría. Quiero que mi estreno debut sea un testamento de supervivencia y regreso a casa. No es frecuente que los niños inmigrantes como yo puedan regresar a casa. Este espectáculo es un reino que se me ha abierto como una forma de volver a casa. Espero que Cisne le dé a la audiencia una sensación de nostalgia al regresar a la práctica del juego infantil y la exploración a través de mi trabajo. Espero que el espectáculo en general cree un espacio para celebrar la infancia de inmigrantes queer a través del arte e incite la necesidad de luchar por TODOS los niños. #sanbernardino #communidad #cisne #casa #regresoacasa #oaxaca (at The Garcia Center for the Arts) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccqn2_JvXMZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foreverthesoniag]

“Little Cousin” #Art by @just.tle . . . . . #digitalcollage #collageartwork #floral #pocartists #asianamericanartist #collagework https://www.instagram.com/p/CceB6JYvwlf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=