LatinXperts

In this episode of the LatinXperts Podcast, Alfonso Ayala III, a doctoral student at UT’s Mexican American and Latina/Latino Studies department, engages in a conversation with Julio Salgado, a queer undocumented artist based in Los Angeles, California. Julio, who rose to fame for his 2012 “I am Undocuqueer!” artwork shares his journey as a queer, undocumented artist and the role of art in activism. Julio’s work is a bold testament to the vibrancy and humanity of jotería and undocumented life. Using his own life experiences and the stories of those around him, Julio creates art that deals with themes of joy, hope, and resilience. The discussion covers Julio’s influences, his evolving understanding of art as a catalyst for change, and his commitment to highlighting the humanity of undocumented and queer communities. The conversation provides profound insights into the power of visual art in advocating for marginalized voices and the future trajectory of queer art and activism.

Julio Salgado is the co-founder of DreamersAdrift and the Migrant Storytelling Manager for The Center for Cultural Power. His status as an undocumented, queer artivist has fueled the contents of his visual art, which depict key individuals and moments of the DREAM Act and the migrant rights movement. Undocumented students, organizers and allies across the country have used Salgado’s artwork to call attention to the migrant rights movement. Salgado is the co-creator of The Disruptors Fellowship, a program at The Center for Cultural Power for emerging television writers of color who identify as trans/and or non-binary, disabled, undocumented/formerly undocumented immigrants. His work has been displayed at the Oakland Museum, SFMOMA and Smithsonian. 

Michael Hames-Garcia speaks with Steven ‘Humble’ Mangual, a former prisoner who has become a national civil rights leader. Steven shares his harrowing experiences in solitary confinement, the trauma of his early life, and his path to transformation through education, self-reflection, and community. Now a Justice Advocate Coordinator for Latino Justice–PRLDEF, Steven discusses his work in criminal legal reform, health advocacy, and restorative justice. Through his story, we learn about the systemic challenges faced by the Latinx community and the importance of community support and advocacy in achieving reform and justice.

Steven Mangual is a long-time advocate and activist in the fields of health, social and criminal justice both from behind the walls and in his community. He started his career in 1997 as a Facilitator, Peer-Educator and Organizer from within the New York State Department of Corrections while serving a 14-year sentence. Upon his release in 2006, Steven worked with the NYS Department of Health and Department of Corrections as well as several nonprofits. Steven volunteered for thirteen years as the Latino Affairs Producer/Co-host for “On The Count: The Prison and Criminal Justice Report,” a 60-minute talk, news, and interview program featuring criminal and social justice subjects on radio station WBAI, 99.5 FM. He is now based in Florida, working as the Southeast Region Justice Advocate Coordinator for the national civil rights organization Latino Justice–PRLDEF.