Paraisos: Queer L.A. Latinx Art Creates Community

( Pictured above: Laura Aguilar, Grounded 114)

Most queer folk, especially Latinx and people of color, are pushed to the margins of society by dominant communities. Queer people go through passages of self-discovery that point them to the particular subcultures where they flourish. Searching for community outside of the heteronormative or predominant LGBT circle is a rite of passage in a world that does not include Latinx and queer people of color in the larger cultural narrative.

Discrimination, in subtle and not so subtle ways, has become part of the social construct. On the journey of self-knowledge and self-actualization, Latinx and queer people of color will build friendships, and enter spaces that serve their queer tribes as a refuge. They will pass through a world of their own invention, a world filled with creativity. This world enables them to feel a complete expression of their inner and outer lives by making new friends, meeting lovers, and forming meaningful and unbreakable bonds.

The artists in the "Paraisos" exhibition explore new visions of their own language. With renewed appreciation and understanding of their heritage, their artistry imparts a certain magic as they create innovative self-identifying myths, signs, and symbols.

These artists hail from diverse communities across the United States and beyond, calling California home. The artists list includes Laura Aguilar, Yukiko Avila, Amina Cruz, Tony De Carlo, Diego Eduardo, Natalie Franco, Jon Vaz Gar, Lorenzo Gomez, Roy Martinez (Lambe Culo), Milos Mestas, Navi, Monica Orozco, Miguel Angel Reyes, Adam Morello Reyes, Angelo Alessandro Rodarte, Manuel Rodrigues (Sad Boy), and Christopher Velasco. Curated by Ruben Esparza

PARAISOS: Queer LA Latinx Art

Now through June 8, Reception: Friday April 20, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

LGBT Center
Advocate & Gochis Galleries
1125 N. McCadden Place
Los Angeles, CA 90038