Instead of me finding time to write about some of the news stories that are of interest (which seems to be a challenge these past few weeks) I’ve decided to share with you the stories. Yes! These are stories I would love to write more about, share my perspective, challenge our ideas, and forge a conversation about them with VL readers. Perhaps we can do that without individual posts for each piece? Perhaps not, either way, here’s a VL Digest. Have VL readers heard of these stories? What are your thoughts?

An Apology 30 Years In The Making: El Salvador Marks El Mozote Massacre

Yesterday I was reading about the apology the Salvadoran government gave for El Mozote massacre where over 800 women, children, men, people were killed by the Salvadoran military.  The Massacre occurred 30 years ago in December. I remember growing up in Maryland and hearing about this massacre by the Salvadoran immigrants who migrated to the Takoma Park and Langley Park area. I remember my parents telling me that some folks who we met may not ever be able to go back home because of a Civil War. It all began to become more clear to me years later when I started reading more on the historical accounts and injustices that were occurring, especially the role the US played in training the military in the Americas.

The Exiles of Puerto Rico

There was a lot of buzz about TEDx San Juan, and I’m eager to see what video is available of our friend Larry La Fountain-Stokes’ presentation of the work, activism, and survival of Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ community. In attendance was Forbe.com blogger Giovanni Rodriguez who shares his ideas of Puerto Ricans as being exiles (inspired by Larry’s usage of queer Puerto Ricans as sexiles who use music, art, songs, and writing to share their testimonios). Rodriguez considers those Puerto Ricans who migrated from the mainland to the US as exiles as well (this would include my parents) who were searching for more secure and better economic opportunities. He argues that many Puerto Ricans leaving now are doing so reluctantly.

Third Party & Independent Candidates 2012

I am often exhausted with hearing only two party debates, discussions and media coverage. This week I went in search of who may be considering running as Third Party and Independent candidates for President of the US in 2012. This site was useful to give me an idea and remind me that there are always more than two options when it comes to voting, and knowing all of those options is what makes someone, in my opinion, an educated voter.

Racism in Spanish Magazine Hola! 

I had just heard about this story from a homegirl and her Colombian husband. If this is a new story to you here’s a brief synopsis: Spanish fotographer is shooting 4 of the “most powerful women in Colombia” in one of their homes, Haluf Rosa de Castro. The fotographer decided to add something more to the foto by asking the two maids of Haluf Rosa de Castro who were working in the home, to join them in the foto. The result is a foto that has caused outrage and called out the anti-Black racism found in Latin America, Spain and basically all over the world. Haluf Rosa de Castro has been on inter/national radio and media, stating that she is being called a racist when that is just not true. However, looking at the foto, the maids were NOT put into costume, this is how she requires her maids to dress, these were not two random people, these were the people she hires to work for her. It’s been an interesting discussion and media analysis as most of the challenging of the anti-Black racism has come from Spanish readers in Spain versus those in Colombia where the women are from.

Casting Director Says She Didn’t Pick Actors to Play Latino Roles

What the title needs to read is: “Casting Director Says She Didn’t Pick WHITE Actors to Play Latino Roles.” This NYT article shares the questions that have come about with an all white cast (not white Latinos, NO Latinos) in the upcoming Hartford production of “The ____________ With The Hat.” This play has two lead Puerto Rican characters yet, two white people were cast to play them (and we know there is no lack of Puerto Rican actors anywhere, especially in Connecticut!). The writer of the play, Stephen Adly Guirgis, has shared his concern with the casting and stated after seeing a performance of the play that it was “dangerously close to a minstrel show.”

Puerto Rican Lawmakers May Eliminate LGBT Specific Categories In Hate Crimes

As if Puerto Rico needs any more violence, the Puerto Rico Senate approved a bill that would eliminate violence towards and against a LGBT person in Puerto Rico as a hate crime.

Government Tested AIDS Drugs on Foster Kids

What this title is missing is that the “government” they are referring to is the US government. I really can’t stomach this article as these tests have gone on for 20 years and knowing the disproportionate representation of Black and Latino youth in the foster care system (I used to work at the Child Welfare League of America), this enrages me. I know some folks will say “but it helped some of them survive” and “they would not have received treatment if otherwise.” Yes, I hear that. My concern is how young people of Color, young poor people are cared for (or not) when the state is their guardian. I hold these same concerns for youth in foster care who also need reproductive health care.

South Bronx Graffiti Crew Sues Over Jennifer Lopez Ad

That ad you’ve been seeing on TV with Jennifer Lopez driving around in a Fiat, coming “home” to the Bronx that so inspires her, has prominently used an image in the ad without permission. The “I Heart The Bronx” mural by TATS Cru is def in that ad and TATS Cru is not having folks violate the copyright on their mural.

Some shameless plugs:

Revisiting Marianismo

I interview a young Taiwanese-Brazillian media maker whose film Marianismo features Latinas living with HIV.

Myths & Messages About HIV

For World AIDS Day I share some of the myths, questions, and mis-information our youth still have about HIV and its tranmission. I share how I use these questions, myths and opportunities to share the correct information. Some topics include: Saliva transmits HIV, you can catch HIV, Lesbians don’t need to worry about HIV infection, you can sue someone for giving you HIV in a consensual sexual encounter, and Magic Johnson doesn’t have HIV anymore.