VivirLatino

Last year was Mala’s first time at Netroots Nation. Thanks to a scholarship from America’s Voice, who yes have purchased ads on the site (full disclosure), I went to Pittsburgh not knowing what to expect and had a tough time, to say the least.

So why would I apply for a scholarship to go again? Women like me aren’t usually invited to these types of events. The costs are prohibitive and there isn’t child care. Often women of color radical media makers hear that we were referenced, talked about but are not included in the conversation. Situations that we are living like the intersection of enforcement heavy immigration, sexual violence and mami’hood. Even when we are invited to conversation spaces like conventions, we find ourselves isolated, tokenized or ignored.

Part of me considers these conferences and conventions a social experiment where I test my own limits and the limits of others. I always end up crying. Sometimes those are tears of joy, sometimes those are tears of anger, fear, frustration. You can tell alot by who you end up crying with at a conference.

The last time I was in Las Vegas was in 2007 to cover the Latin Grammy Awards. We’ve changed alot since then.
Now towards the end of July, I will be in Vegas again for this year’s Netroots Nation, thanks to a scholarship from Democracy for America.

I feel like this year, I know what to expect and how to navigate a little better. I want to thank the academy people who voted for me and those on the judging panel who thought that my voice, presence, and experience was important. I hope that I can do my comunidad justice.

PS : I’m also excited that Prerna Lal from DREAM Activist will be there also via a scholarship.

Now I just need funding for my airfare!!!