Documentary to check out: “L.A. A Queer History”
“Before Stonewall there was L.A. It all started here.” The new documentary L.A. a Queer History, focuses its lens on the unknown LGBT history of Los Angeles. Directed by Gregorio Davila and produced by Mario J. Novoa and Richard Corral, it screens March 20, 2022, 6pm at Renberg Theater at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Visit here for tickets
Check out these opportunities for writers and filmmakers
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) is looking to increase the quality and quantity of film and media by and about Latinos, especially women of color. NALIP has launched a fellowship and a short film competition to increase visibility. They will select five winners to showcase their films at a special screening at the Diverse Women in Media Forum. NALIP will also hold a chance to win professional development, community building, and mentorship with NALIP and have your project launch on a larger scale. These possibilities will allow the community to access funding for projects and encourage the community. The deadline to apply is April 29.
The Harvard Kennedy School is accepting submissions for its next volume of the LGBTQ Policy Journal. They intend to feature community members, activists, academics, and students from any institution. Projects should discuss and contribute to the conversation around policies that impact the LGBTQ community.
Jorge Gallegos – graphic designer, media guru, and influencer
Jorge Gallegos was b
orn and raised in Rioverde, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and moved to Texas after completing his bachelor’s degree in graphic design. After having been a part of the Tallia Orange Blogger competition in NYC, Gallegos, “started shifting [his] focus from men’s wear to lifestyle and LGBTQ travel and showcasing more of who [he is],” according to WWD magazine. While Gallegos feared that his shift in content would drive sponsors away, he knew he wanted to share with his followers his true self and use his platform to encourage others to be “unapologetically themselves and love themselves.” Currently, Gallegos is focused on creating music as a DJ known as The Queer DJ on social media. Gallegos shared with GLAAD that while struggling to cope with the difficulties of isolation during this pandemic, he used music to connect with others online. “Like many others, I struggled with being cooped up at home,” Gallegos explained. “However, what got 
me through the difficult times was music.” He was inspired by the many DJs on Twitch to start learning, as it “seemed like a natural evolution for [his] brand as a content creator.” He also shares music on SoundCloud “with the intention to elevate [his] audience’s vibration through the power of music.”
A podcast to check out – En La Sala
Evaluna Montaner, the host of En La Sala, tackles some taboo topics that often go undiscussed in the Latinx community. In this up-close interview-style podcast, Montaner sits down with superstar guests such as Kamala Harris, Ivy Queen, Elena Rose, and more. In one of the latest episodes, “Latinx Representation in Hollywood with Leslie Grace,” the intimate and personal conversations with Hollywood actress known for her role as Nina Rosario in In the Heights, Leslie Grace, discuss the importance of Latinx representation and having that representation be accurate and without stereotypical tropes. “While we are grateful for any step forward, it’s exhausting to feel like we’re tiptoeing forward instead of making real strides for change,” explained Montaner. “We know we deserve more. My hope is that by continuing these conversations about the representation, we can come together of asking for that.”
Reaching New Heights with Latinx On The Rise 
In Latinx On The Rise, host Annabel Garcia Torres focuses her conversations with “high achieving Latinx movers and shakers” who deserve to have a platform that offers an opportunity to express their challenges and achievements, with hopes to inspire listeners. From discussions on the effects of virtual learning for young people to the health care systems that discriminate against those in the Latinx community. The podcast seeks to motivate listeners to persevere and chase their goals.
Books You Need in Your Life: Juliet Takes a Breath
Published independently in 2016, then re-published in 2019 by Dial Press, Juliet Takes a Breath is a light seeming read that tackles heavy topics through the eyes of the main character, Juliet Milagros Palante. The story follows Juliet as she begins her path of self-discovery as a young adult. Juliet opens up about her sexuality and fears being rejected by her Puerto Rican family, especially her mother. Despite this, Juliet finds herself with the opportunity of a lifetime, as she works with her favorite writer in Portland. Through her experiences and newfound friendship, Juliet builds her self-confidence and courage to live freely.
L.A. Times Book Club with Reyna Grande and “A Ballad of Love and Glory”
Reyna Grande, author of a bestselling 2012 memoir, “The Distance Between Us,” will join the L.A. Times Book Club for a virtual conversation with Times editor Steve Padilla about her new novel, “A Ballad of Love and Glory.” The book is set in 1846 and follows a Mexican Army nurse and a disheartened Irish soldier during the Mexican-American War. The virtual event will take place on March 29 at 6 p.m. PT.