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Marriage equality has been one of the major political and social issues facing LGBTQ people in the US but on the other side of the coin is the freedom for gays and lesbians to embrace a life without a partner. Our guest, Danny Casillas is a drag performer, actor and a retired civil employee for the City of West Hollywood. His blog, ‘ Die alone with me.com’ embraces the many facets of being a single gay man. Adding to the conversation is our own Izzy Mora who shares his own experiences as single gay man in his fifties here in El Paso.
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In this episode of Queer Onda, we ask our previous podcast guests to share their wish for the El Paso Queer community. Each of these special messages come from a place of joy, acceptance and love. As we reflect on 2025 and embrace a new year, these messages offer great inspiration to go forth as a community and celebrate our true selves.
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The recent government shut down has shone a bright spotlight on food insecurity. While some families SNAP benefits are being reduced or cut altogether, many organizations and community groups have stepped up to help provide helping hands.
In addition to the myriad of services and events at the Borderland Rainbow Center for the LGBTQ community the BRC helps alleviate hunger in the El Paso community in an environment of respect, care and hospitality. The food pantry serves everyone from low-income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry. And they need your help. In this episode we talk to Amber Perez Executive Director of the Borderland Rainbow Center and Julie Lucas, Directors of the Food Pantry at the BRC who tell us about how we can all do our part. |
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In this episode, we talk to Margarita Martinez Almeida who shares her journey from the emotional reaction to her child coming out as trans to lighting the way for other parents as president of PFLAG El Paso. Margarita tells us about the important work PFLAG is doing and how members of our community can help support their efforts.
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Wayne Hilton is a designer, artist, and boundless creative. He is widely known as an excellent event planner, host extraordinaire and El Paso’s own style guru. With a background in costume design, his passion for art, interior design, fashion and travel, Wayne creatively managed to bring all of those influences together when he launched his YouTube Channel ‘The Consummate Host’. We talk to him today about all things stylish from fashion, décor, entertaining and the overall zeitgeist of the El Paso community. Lastly, we ask him about how he began his YouTube Channel and what viewers can learn from his videos.
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Episode 22 - I am the city
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While PRIDE celebrations continue all month of June, the city of El Paso has consistently been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community throughout the past 20 years. In this episode we sit down with Ben Fyffe, the Managing Director of Quality of Life for the City of El Paso. Spanning a career of 27 years, Ben connects our community to the arts, helps develop local creative sectors, catalyzes tourism and works to ensure access to quality recreational & educational experiences for all families. He has also been named as one of the Grand Marshals of the 2025 El Paso Sun City Pride Parade. We talk to him about the progress and challenges facing the LGBTQ community in El Paso.
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Episode 21 - Everybody's Free
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In this episode we celebrate all things Pride and share some of the events and changes in our community during Pride Month. Our guest is Christopher Eck, President of El Paso Sun City Pride who talks about what’s new and exciting about this year’s celebrations. He also discusses some of the challenges faced by EPSCP under this political and economic climate. And, just for fun, we offer our picks for your Pride Month Playlist and Quintessential movies that capture the spirit of Pride.
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Episode 20 - Higher Love
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Religion and spirituality can offer a sense of meaning, purpose, and community. Many times, our personal beliefs can contribute to mental and physical well-being and help shape our morals and ethics. For LGBTQ people, the role of religion can be a source of both solace and suffering. While many LGBTQ Americans have been raised in an organized religion — and many continue to cherish their faith community — many others have been forced to leave those communities behind because of condemnation. In this episode, we welcome Nick Emerick, the president of the Unitarian Universalist Community of El Paso and Tammy Hood who is a member of their congregation.
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Episode 19 - Bear Necessities
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In the late seventies, gay men in the San Francisco Bay Area who were typically masculine presenting, stocky and hairy met informally at bars and parties. These men began to be known and later self-identify as bears. The men remained in a somewhat secluded group until their status was formalized and celebrated with the founding of Bear Magazine in 1987.
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Episode 18 - Free to Be
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Months before the Texas legislature convened this year, dozens of anti-LGBTQ house bills were introduced by republicans. Many of these house bills will move forward and unfortunately some may become law. At the top of the list are bills that move to erase same-sex education and further disenfranchise transgender citizens of Texas. In this episode we talk to Dina Perez with the El Paso chapter of the LGBTQ Real Estate alliance and Amber Perez with the Borderland Rainbow Center about this surge of legislation in Texas. We also offer guidance about what each of us can do to help counteract the anti-LGBTQ tide that is washing over our state and country. We also invite everyone to join the 'Free to Be' campaign.
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Episode 17 - Silver Screen
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In this episode we talk to Broadcast Film Critics Association member, Felipa Solis, about the past, present and future of queer representation in film. Felipa shares some of her favorite queer-themed films and offers insight into the evolution of attitudes about telling our stories. We also discuss three major 2024 Oscar nomination contenders that highlighted queer characters in film. Later in the episode, we offer our own favorite films that helped boost queer visibility and ultimately highlighted the universality of our stories.
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Episode 16 - Celebrate!
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In this episode we recap all our episodes in 2024. Over the past eleven months we have had the opportunity to talk to members of the LGBTQ community, their family and allies. Our topics have ranged from the political to the practical and while some of the conversations have been serious, we managed to find humor and heart in each interview. Enjoy our year-end recap and look for new episodes of Queer Onda El Paso in 2025! |
Episode 15 - Let's Talk About Sex
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Gay men's attitudes about safe sex have changed over time and are influenced by the availability of new treatments and prevention methods.
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Episode 14 - A Little Respect
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October is LGBTQ History Month. It is when we commemorate the milestones of our community to honor the people who have helped to get us to where we are for us to celebrate Pride in June. There is perhaps no better icon in El Paso to talk to about our community's history than Gilbert Salazar. Gilbert was a visible member of the gay community when being queer in El Paso was risqué and, in some ways, more exciting. He tells us about the early days of the bar scene and how he came up to be crowned the first-ever Miss Old Plantation which was an historic gay bar both locally and renown throughout the state of Texas. |
Episode 14.1 - Halloween Special
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As we approach the gayest holiday of the year, we talk about why Halloween is so ghoulishly celebrated in the LGBTQ community and we also share info on a couple of wicked events coming our way this month.
Borderland Rainbow Center
The MET Monster's Ball 2024 The Old Plantation
Back from the Dead Party |
Episode 13 - Vote Baby, Vote!
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While queer rights have leapt forward over the past decade, we are currently once again facing multiple threats to our very existence. Our fight for equality remains an ongoing struggle.
Some politicians have targeted LGBTQ rights. Republicans often use fear tactics to vilify trans and queer people to motivate their voters. We must counteract these measures by voting and encouraging our friends and loved ones to vote with our rights in mind, as well. Our guest in this episode is Wesley Lawrence, the founding member of the Stonewall Democrats in El Paso. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and serves as the State Democratic Executive Committeeman for Congressional District 23. Wesley is also running for the City Council District 4 seat. We talk to Wesley about national, state, and local political issues. |
Episode 12 - Asylum & Advocacy
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Unlike many other migrants, queer migrants often lack eligible family members to sponsor them on the other side leading to heightened risks of detention and increased rates of violence within detention facilities.
In this episode we talk to Jennifer Babaie who is the Director of Advocacy and Legal Services at the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center here in El Paso. She is joined by Gabriela Lopez who is a legal assistant at the organization. |
Episode 11 - Health & Care
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Accessibility to healthcare is a challenge for many people in our area but perhaps more so in the queer community. Discrimination, lack of understanding and institutional biases can contribute to this disparity. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Toni Ramirez about these issues and the services available through Project Vida for all members of our community.
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Episode 10 - Pride & Family, Part 4
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Part 4 - PRIDE & CELEBRATE
In this final spotlight, we turn to our own Izzy Mora, Ceci Marquez and Ted Escobedo as they talk about how, through working on the Queer Onda podcast, they have learned about the many types of family people can create. Including theirs. |
Episode 10 - Pride & Family, Part 3
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PART 3 - MELISSA & PAUL
The relationship between mother and child is perhaps one of the strongest bonds two people can share. In this episode we continue our spotlight on families as we talk to Melissa and Paul Urenda. They share their story about how Paul first came out as gay, but still was not completely sure about their identity. It was their mother Melissa, who suggested that perhaps Paul had a ‘feminine soul.' That insight resonated with Paul who later come out as transgender. Their story is an inspiring one filled with love, understanding and compassion. |
Episode 10 - Pride & Family, Part 2
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PART 2 - EDUARDO & IZZY
As we celebrate Pride Month, Queer Onda is spotlighting queer families in El Paso and Izzy Mora and Eduardo Bouché are two friends who have most definitely formed a strong familial bond. Their friendship spans decades and has endured through both good and bad times. They talk to us about the nature of their relationship, the benefits of growing (and growing up) together and how Absolutely Fabulous (Patsy & Edina) they are. They tell us about how it all began with a backwards disco dive as Eduardo asked Izzy to ‘Catch me!’ And they have been supporting each other ever since. |
Episode 10 - Pride & Family, Part 1
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PART 1 - BEA & DINA
During PRIDE month Queer Onda El Paso is spotlighting some of the many kinds of families in our community. In this first episode we talk to Dina and Bea Perez. Balancing life, careers, marriage and the demands of raising two children is just all in a day’s work for this couple. Queer Onda talked to them about their family, how they maintain their personal relationship and how a chance meeting at the front door resulted in a lifelong commitment. |
Episode 9 - Family & Business
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Owning a business can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode we talk to Marina Ardivino who has grown up in her family business, came out as lesbian and now runs Ardovino’s Desert Crossing with her brother. Marina shares their family’s story, why being a visible supporter of the LGBTQ community is important and how in return, members of our community can become more supportive of gay and gay-friendly businesses. We also speak to David Villanueva who works to bring events and Ardovino’s Desert Crossing to life. He talks about the PRIDE Market which will be held at the property on May 25. |
Episode 8 - Her & Him
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Issues of equality, acceptance and the rights of transgender and nonbinary people have become part of a national conversation. These issues can involve words, pronouns, ideas and identities that are new to some – even to those of us in the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode we talk to June Contreras and Brandon Merritt about the Bloom Education Series which is a collaboration by UTEP and the Borderland Rainbow Center that focuses on gender affirming care and self-advocacy. June not only shares her personal story as a trans woman, her and Brandon both help us better understand the trans experience and how we can become more inclusive of trans people.
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Episode 7 - Floats & Flair
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This year’s Sun City Pride Parade will be held on June 29 showcasing the theme, “Spotlight on Pride-Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Stage and Screen.” In this episode, we talk to Christopher Eck, President of Sun City Pride, who is joined by Richard Ornelas and Ernesto Torres, Co-Directors of the 2024 Sun City Pride Parade. They tell us about how Sun City Pride began by envisioning a parade which later gave birth to the non-profit organization, Sun City Pride which works to provide visibility, representation and advocacy for the LGBTQ community. Over the past 19 years, Sun City Pride has grown to include several community and philanthropic efforts including Easter Baskets and School Bags for children as well as awarding scholarships for LGBTQ students. We talk to them about the creative opportunities during Pride Month and how our community can support – and even march in this year’s parade. |
Episode 6 - Heels & Feels
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It has been said that, 'When a gay man has too much style for one gender, he is a Drag Queen." In this episode of Queer Onda El Paso, we talk to Sammy Escobedo who performs in full drag as Damas B. Wilson. We talk to him/her on the heels (pun intended) of Damas winning the Crown as Miss Touch Sweetheart. Our team asks probing questions about drag culture in El Paso, how a little boy from a farm in Socorro goes on to win several crowns and why you never want to catch her when she's in a fighting mood. |
Episode 5 - Single & Looking
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In this Valentine’s Day inspired episode we look at love and relationships with the help of Aaron Barbara who is currently a single gay man who talks about his personal experiences with his ex-partners, what he has learned about dating in his 40’s and how he ultimately created a better relationship with himself. We also share our ideas on what makes the ‘perfect valentine’ and how one of our producers got married on Valentine’s Day and celebrated with a donkey. Hugs and kisses to you all – we hope you enjoy this episode! |
Episode 4 - Foreplay & Score
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Building a vibrant LGBTQ community includes offering a variety of activities for all members. In this episode we talk to the organizers and participants of OUTLOUD SPORTS El Paso. Through their many sports tournaments they offer plenty of opportunities to have fun, get some exercise and socialize. OUTLOUD SPORTS is also committed to helping better our queer community through charitable events and donations. After our noisy (and fun) visit with them at November's Kickball Event, Queer Onda kicks the ball around as we talk New Year's Resolutions and ways to help you get physical in 2024. |
Episode 3 - Chill & Grace
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As we gather for Thanksgiving, we know that not all holidays are fun and gay. In this episode, we talk to Lupita Peña from Emergence Health Network about some of the challenges facing LGBTQ people when navigating the emotions and touchy topics that are bound to 'come out.' We also share our personal experiences and challenges of going Home for the holidays. |
Episode 2 - Out & About
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In this episode we talk about how coming out of the closet is essential for self acceptance. We also touch on the history of National Coming Out Day, plus we share some personal stories and hear words of encouragement from local community members and some famous people too! |
Episode 1 - Pride & Progress
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TOPIC 1 - PRIDE
As the night club owner and founder of Sun City Pride Dave Castillo is perhaps one of the most visible LGBTQ members of our community. We talk to him about what pushed him into the Pride limelight, the growing acceptance for our community in El Paso and the beginning of what we now know as Pride Square. TOPIC 2 - PROGRESS
The Borderland Rainbow Center, under the new direction of Amber Perez, works to provide services to LGBTQ+ people by addressing both their physical and emotional needs. A non-profit community resource outside of the gay bars and nightclubs, the Rainbow Center offers a dry, safe space for people of all ages and colors of the rainbow spectrum. As we learn from Amber, the Center is also working to reinforce their outreach in our area and build from offering a ‘safe place’ to a ‘brave space’ for our community. Amber also talks about their nationally recognized DRIEP training program, their inter-generational Rainbow League and the challenges of fundraising for the center in El Paso. • Plus, test your Queer Vocabulary knowledge in our monthly feature, “Lip Glossary.”
• We have also included our 'wrap up' session where we talk about the things that surprised and inspired us during the taping of this episode. • We have provided additional resources for topics mentioned in this episode under the UPDATES/BLOG section of this site. Enjoy this first episode of Queer Onda El Paso and please send your comments to; [email protected] |
