https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb When brainstorming personal political aspects of gendered interestionality, I knew I wanted to center my ideas through the lens of queer people of color. The gay community, for far too long has been highly influenced by colored people yet ironically we are the least highlighted subdivison of queer culture. These photos are set in homage to the multiple experiences personal to my black/brown queer brothers and sisters who are casualties of the war against homo/transphobia and racism. Enjoy! en-us 2021-05-18 16:06:05 UTC 2026-01-19 12:49:47 UTC hello@padlet.com tristanrcollazo https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541150957 This is the only photo I am in (middle). Originating from Puerto Rico, I identify as Afro-latino in respect to the African influence that was left largely in part due to the triangular slave trade. When we speak on "black lives matter" we need to also understand the variance that encapsulates blackness and acknowledge how prevalent homophobia is within our community that subjugates us by our own people. ]]> 2021-05-19 19:33:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541150957 tristanrcollazo https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541233277 40 years ago, the contraction of a positive HIV status was a death sentence. The thousands of my black/brown brothers & sisters that were caught up in the AIDS epidemic was a tragedy. Now in 2021, our fight has not ended however the fright has lessened. With the invention of progressive medication, the undetectable status became possible and allows for the preservation and sexual security of people who are HIV positive, dragging life expectancy past 70+ years now and leaving it virtually impossible to contract the virus from having unsafe sex with people who are positive.  I was inspired by the Keith Haring tattoo my friend had on his wrist and connected it to the work he created in bringing more awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic happening in NYC during the time. ]]> 2021-05-19 19:59:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541233277 tristanrcollazo https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541254842 Choosing to be performatively feminine while being colored and male is a form of resistance. Our existence is rebellion. The mysogyny that is deeply latent in gay (cis-male) culture does not leave much space to actually be who we are. Furthermore, being a person of color and the effect that "machismo"-ism has caused on the community leads to our own community ridiculing, isolating us as well as leaving us as targets of physical violence. Denial of access, humiliation, and even death has been our reality and through the thick of it all it is our feminine brothers and sisters who have led the fight for action in our community. The person in this photo is a close friend of mine who was voguing at home. The femininity he oozed was inspiring and was the definition of "femme queen", werk Justin!]]> 2021-05-19 20:07:29 UTC https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541254842 tristanrcollazo https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541274250 As queer people, not all of us are privileged enough to be supported by the people we were raised by. The man in this photo is my gay dad Alfonso. The world brought us together on purpose and he (like many other gay parents) has fulfilled many of the roles that my biological father, unfortunately could never. The love, understanding, and support that our gay parents give to us is partly in due because of the fact they themselves felt the abandonment and rejection from their own parents for being who they are. ]]> 2021-05-19 20:14:22 UTC https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541274250 tristanrcollazo https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541291975 Created by gay and trans black and brown people in Harlem during the 80's, ballroom is the official safe haven for colored queer people. Today in 2021, the expansion that ballroom is experiencing right now is allowing alot of recognition to the community, paying homage and respect to the people who created this form of protest, resistance, and congregation to queer people of color internationally. In the photo is Precious Ebony being called out during her LSS in a dip (its called a dip, NOT a deathdrop!!)]]> 2021-05-19 20:20:39 UTC https://padlet.com/tristanrcollazo/12egvbzbo9nlt8nb/wish/1541291975