Latina? Who, me?
I was recently invited to speak at at a conference to discuss the ways in which I live and “navigate multiple, sometimes conflicting identities” – as queer, femme, mixed race, transnational, and how said identities influence how I see “life on the margins.” The interesting part….I was invited as the “Latina” on the panel. I [...]
Embracing Diversity or Eroticizing Women of Color
I don’t quite understand the world’s fascination with beauty pageants – parading human beings around like property. Nevertheless, I stumbled upon the intro to Miss Universe 2009 on Sunday night. After a glance of Zeynep Sever, Miss Belgium and was curious to see who was representing the various other European nations present. Zeynep is originally [...]
The New Voter – MixedFolk Style
In mid-June of this year, SwirlPhilly hosted Philadelphia’s first official Loving Day events. We took a trip to the Franklin Institute for a viewin of their “RACE: Are we really so different?” exhibit. We also received permission to hold a discussion within the exhibit space. It was a great opportunity for us to share our [...]
IdeaCamp Here I Come
After heading out to Philly Sips with ABC Pastor otherwise known as LT, I decided that I would make an appearance at IdeaCamp DC. IdeaCamp is one of several unconferences that have ignited throughout the country – a grass roots movement if you will. The DC edition will focus on cultivating relationships, providing technical assistance [...]
Loving Day
“We loved each other and got married,” she [Mildred Loving] told The Washington Evening Star in 1965, when the case was pending. “We are not marrying the state. The law should allow a person to marry anyone he wants.” Mildred Loving fought for her right to marry someone of another race in 1960′s Virginia. More [...]
SwirlPhilly Hosting Loving Day Celebration @ The Franklin – RACE Exhibit Discussion
SwirlPhilly is celebrating Loving Day this year by hosting a trip to see the RACE exhibit at the Franklin. We will meet after the viewing to participate in a discussion on the exhibit and Loving Day. Community dinner to follow! This is a family friendly event. Bring your children, spouses, parents, etc.!! Date: Saturday, June [...]
Citizenship Weekend April 18, 2009
My mother and I are immigrants. We received our Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”) upon first entering the U.S. When I say “received” I mean just that. It was simple, painless, inexpensive, and only minutely time consuming. My father (her husband) is a natural born U.S. citizen (and at the time U.S. Army soldier). We [...]
International Women's Day 2009
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! Please take this time to remember the incredible women in your life and those that paved the way before you! I could not have asked for a more perfect day! I started my day in fellowship at The Well and then participating in the IWD 2009 Conference in Center City, Philadelphia. [...]
CAIR Philly @ Villanova Don't 'Iraq' Iran
I am liveblogging the “Don’t ‘Iraq’ Iran: Finding a Peaceful Resolution to the Iran Crisis” seminar co-sponsored by the Bryn Mawr Peace Coalition and Villanova University. As the Bush Administration continually turns to military action as its fundamental tool of diplomacy, scores of Americans are coming together to discuss alternative means of cross-cultural dialogue in [...]
PBS "Germans in America" – The Desirable German Narrative
PBS aired a re-run of the entire Germans in America series the other night. I was able to see the entire series for the first time, instead of taking it in piecemeal. This four-part series examines German settlers who came to America in the early 18th Century, particularly how they adjusted to life in America, [...]
Update: New Miss Switzerland Gets Racist Attacks
As I previously reported, there was much controversy around Whitney Toyloy winning the Miss Switzerland pageant. Several critics questioned her preparedness for the role and responsibilities under the crown due to her age. Others questioned whether a bi-racial woman could actually represent Switzerland, that she did not reflect what it meant to be Swiss. Several [...]
Blackface Alive & Well in Germany (and elsewhere in the world)
A Slant Truth and a post on BlackGermans recently reported on two incarnations of blackface in pop culture – one in Kansas and another in Germany. Spiegel Online recently ran an article about German Dollmaker, Marcel Offermann, and his newest creating – a blackface Barack Obama doll. This stereotypical depiction yet again illustrates the way [...]
