jotxs y recuerdos

In this episode of Jotxs y Recuerdos, Andrea Casares, a bisexual Indigenous-Chicana with Black ancestry from the Rio Grande Valley and a caretaker of the land, pays tribute to her Tía/Tío Mike (1961-2019), a queer elder whose influence shaped her creativity and her relationship with the tierra. She also reflects on her family's painful history of violence, including the lynching of her ancestors by John Closner, Tom Mayfield, and the Texas Rangers. Andrea shares her efforts to raise awareness about this history, including her role in organizing the upcoming "Save the San Juan Hotel" event on April 12, 2025. This community event will honor local history and provide a space for mourning and healing. The podcast explores the deep connections between queer, Indigenous, and Black histories in the Valley, emphasizing the importance of community healing. 

*You can find Andrea on Instagram @casita_casares– stay tuned for her upcoming projects and plantita (plant) updates!

*Follow @save_the_san_juan_hotel

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This episode is dedicated to Miguel (Mike) Watts

Michael Jones is a Black gay artist and poet with a background in philosophy from the northeast but relocated to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in 2006, where he discovered both creative freedom and a sense of belonging. In this episode, he reflects on his childhood, recalling moments like impersonating Diana Ross. He delves into his cruising experience at Archer Park, explores his intersecting identities, addresses the absence of Black queer representation along the border, and discusses his artistic journey, which often examines themes of race, sexuality, social justice, and ontology.

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Recorded 2024, Released 2025

In this episode of "Jotxs y Recuerdos," host Alexandra Salazar interviews Kandi Kasket (also known as Roxanna), a non-binary/asexual Latina. Kandi discusses her journey of self-discovery, including her experiences with asexuality and drag, and the challenges she faced in coming out. She emphasizes the importance of queer spaces and representation, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. Roxanna also highlights her work with "Drag Out HIV" to raise awareness about HIV and promote safe sex. 
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Recorded and released 2018

Anel Flores, a queer/lesbian Chicana story maker, discusses her inception and impact of La Otra Taller Nepantla Artist Residency, held February 2021 in Arroyo City, a town in the Rio Grande Valley. Inspired by Gloria Anzaldua's 1995 residency, Flores paid homage to the nurturing environment for artists to create freely. Anel re-created the residency to provide a safe, supportive space for queer, BIPOC artists. In this episode, residency fellows shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of community, feedback, and the healing power of nature.
https://anelflores.com/la-otra-taller-3

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Recorded and released 2022

Kimberly Sanchez, is a trans woman from San Juan, Texas. She aspires to become a physical therapist, motivated by her mother's 1999 accident. Kimberly shares how she came out at 17, initially hiding her identity due to bathroom access issues and misgendering. However, because of her supportive mom she was able to live her truth. In the tail end of the episode, Julie Sanchez, Kimberly's mom offers advice to other parents with queer and trans children. She says, "I would say that it is kind of hard [to accept them] especially if they are your first child. But they are your children. And they do come from you. You are the mother so accept them the way they are, because, any way they are, they're special." 
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Recorded and released 2017

Esteban Silva, a queer Latino from Pharr, Texas, discusses his journey growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, where he faced challenges hiding his identity due to religious and societal pressures. He recounts a pivotal moment at age seven when his mother explained that same-sex marriage contradicts the Bible. Despite support from teachers, he felt isolated and struggled with his identity. Esteban came out accidentally during his first day at college and found acceptance in Oklahoma, where he pursued a bachelor's in fine arts with a minor in Gothic literature. He also shares his experiences with brujeria, passed down by his grandmother, and reflects on the changes in the Valley's acceptance of queer individuals.
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Recorded and released 2017

Dolissa Medina is a filmmaker, home-maker, writer, and organizer whose art practice centers around queer world mending in borderland spaces. Exploring themes of belong and home, she’s been making experimental films for the past 25 years inspired by the places she’s lived: San Francisco, Berlin, and her hometown of Brownsville, Texas. In this episode, she reflects on coming of age in Brownsville, a city along the border region and the importance of preserving meaningful stories.  

Follow her work: http://dolissamedina.com/

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Recorded and released in 2018.

Noe Gonzalez-Schwenneker, a queer woman from Pharr, Texas discusses what it is was like being queer along the border. Noe describes various queer spaces in the Rio Grande Valley (Montrose, Trade Bar, and Jackie O's), including bars across the border in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She also speaks on how the Orlando shooting impacted her. Towards the end of the episode, Noe's wife, Davia, a lesbian from Montana, shared her experience of coming out later in life and finding happiness in Houston's inclusive environment. Both emphasized the importance of being true to oneself. 
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Recorded and released in 2017. 

In this episode, Esther Martinez, a non-binary Chicana/Puerto rican punk discuss  the importance of representation, particularly in the music industry, and addresses issues of sexism and misogyny within the local punk scene. They also share their experiences with her band, Fantastico, and the impact of their music, including a song inspired by the Trans Texas bathroom bill. 
*This episode is dedicated to Carmen Altagracia Turull (also known as Alta), a loving mom and La Mera Mera Chignona, (1948-2019). 
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recorded and released 2018 

Allyson Duarte is a queer Latina from McAllen, Texas. She is also a DACA recipient, activist, and graduate student in Philosophy at Texas A&M University. In this episode, she highlights the intersectionality of issues like immigration, queer rights, and environmental racism. Allyson also emphasizes the importance of representation in education, advocating for the inclusion of Ethnic studies in schools. This episode is an oral history and a call to action.                                                                                              
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Recorded and released in 2018

Ayden Castellanos, is queer a Chicano activist and podcaster. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of the deconstructing HIV/AIDS stigma and educating the public about prevention and treatment, including the use of PrEP. In addition, he highlights the vibrant queer community in the Valley, the challenges of machismo, and the significance of representation in media and local businesses.

*This interview is from 2018. Since then, Ayden created Susto, a spooky podcast focused on Latine folklore. Here is more information about the podcast: 

Ayden Castellanos is the creator and host of the podcast, Susto. Spanish for fright, Susto is a cultural illness in which some believe the soul separates itself from the body after experiencing trauma. Castellanos titled his podcast Susto because it is centered on paranormal folklore from Latin American and Hispanic cultures. Susto has been independently produced since 2019, featuring classic legends like La Llorona, La Lechuza, and The Girl Who Danced with The Devil. 

Castellanos emphasizes that Susto is his contribution to the long-standing tradition of oral storytelling. Each episode is narrative-driven followed up by analysis of the legend. Castellanos attributes his affinity for all things spooky and storytelling to his upbringing in the Rio Grande Valley, on the Texas-Mexico border, a place where the paranormal and folklore were part of family gatherings and in his classrooms.

Susto is available on every podcast platform and you can follow @SustoPodcast on every social media site or by visiting www.SustoPodcast.com.

In this episode, host, Alexandra Salazar sits down with Angela Garza, a Chicana dyke from McAllen, TX, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Rio Grande Valley punk scene. As a member of bands like Angela & the X's, Inkbag, Dykes Interrupted, and The Follies, Angela reflects on her musical journey and the cultural impact of her work. They dive into topics like 'cunt rock'—a term coined by Letty Martinez, lead singer of Angela & the X's and now frontwoman of FEA of San Antonio—queer history in the Valley, and the pain of losing loved ones.
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Recorded and released 2024

Back from hiatus to discuss the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Join us for an urgent and critical conversation with Joy where we discuss settler colonialism in The Rio Grande Valley and Palestine. 
*edit: at 25min it is 5 generations instead of 5 years*

Joy (she/her) is a queer farmer and soil scientist who organizes for collective liberation. Texas born with roots in Palestine and Lebanon, she is able to draw connections between the need for land sovereignty and lack of access to freedom of movement. Joy lived in the RGV between 2018-2021, completing an M.Sc. in Agroecology from UTRGV. Most recently, Joy has been an active organizer with the Viva Palestina Orchestra (linktr.ee/vivapalestinaorchestra), playing Palestinian resistance music in the face of the ongoing genocide. She farms in upstate NY and runs her own soap business which started in Edinburg in 2020 (@saboonmaazeh), supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine and Lebanon. 

To support families fleeing Gaza, Click Here:
https://linktr.ee/fundsforgaza https://linktr.ee/jotxsyrecuerdos

Film mentioned: https://www.cinemapolitica.org/film/pinkwashing-exposed-seattle-fights-back/

TikTok mentioned: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLuKFdCh/

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Recorded and released in 2024.

Rubén Garza, a Non-Binary Trans poet and artivist from Edinburg, TX, discusses their work with Voces Unidas, a collective that fosters community in the Rio Grande Valley through healing justice and capacity building  and Las Imaginistas, an art collective focused on creative placemaking and community engagement.
In this episode, they reflect on their journey of self-discovery, highlighting his struggles with toxic masculinity and internalized homophobia but also the transformative power of writing, queerness, and community.
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Recorded and released in 2022

Hilda and Tee, are a Black lesbian couple who have been married for 29 years and counting. Hilda, born in Louisiana, moved to California at 17 and came out there. Tee, from Detroit, also came out in California and faced challenges reconciling her sexuality with her religious beliefs. They met in the 80s at work, and after a decade of mutual attraction, they began a relationship. Hilda emphasized the importance of loyalty, communication, and self-love. Tee advised living authentically and learning from mistakes. They both highlighted their commitment to being a supportive, inclusive home for others.
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Recorded and released in 2022. 

Danielle Small, a writer based in Atlanta, discusses their journey from Jamaica to rural Wisconsin, highlighting their experiences as a queer, non-binary individual. They also recount the challenges of growing up in a conservative Christian culture in Jamaica and the traumatic experiences of racism in Wisconsin. In addition, Danielle emphasizes the importance of representation and community, particularly for Black immigrants. They also share the role of fashion in expressing their identity and the impact of their book, "Confessions of a Token Black Girl."
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Recorded and released in 2021 

For this episode, we interview Eddie Piña, your favorite gay Tio. Join us as he recounts his journey to accepting his HIV diagnosis in 2013, emphasizing the importance of safe sex and regular testing. He also talks about the impact of machismo, his experice as a farm worker, and the Valley club scene in the 2000s
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Episode Edited by A. Ramirez 
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Recorded and released 2020

In this episode, host of the queer podcast "Jotxs y Recuerdos," interviews Adrian Melgar an organizer and teacher from the RGV. Join us as he talks to us about being trans in the borderlands, creating resources for the community, and teaching during a pandemic/hurricane hit. 
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Recorded and released 2020

This live podcast is presented by the UTRGV Center for Mexican American Studies' Cafecito y Charla series. Join Alexandra Nichole Salazar as she moderates a conversation with Judy R. Pryor-Ramirez, Aimaloghi Eromosele, and Alexandra Hughes about Black history, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the ongoing fight against anti-Blackness in the Rio Grande Valley.
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Recorded and released 2020

Join us for our Bonus Episode where we explore Nepantla, Borderlands, and Queerness with Vickie Vértiz, a Queer Chicana Poet and Professor from California. 

"Vickie Vértiz was born and raised in Bell Gardens, a city in southeast Los Angeles County.

Her writing is featured in the New York Times magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle, Huizache, Nepantla, the Los Angeles Review of Books,  KCET Departures, and the anthologies: Open the Door (from McSweeney’s and the Poetry Foundation), and The Coiled Serpent (from Tia Chucha Press), among many others.

Vértiz’s first full collection of poetry, Palm Frond with Its Throat Cut, published in the Camino del Sol Series by The University of Arizona Press won a 2018 PEN America literary prize. Get a copy here.

Vickie is a proud member of Colectivo Miresa, a feminist cooperative speaker’s bureau, her first poetry collection, Swallows, is available from Finishing Line Press. She teaches at the University of California, Santa Barbara."
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Recorded and released in 2020