ALMA, in conjunction with VIDA/SIDA and IPRAC, is honored and excited to bring together three renowned gay Latino authors for a book reading and panel discussion on their respective works.
Charles Rice-Gonzalez is a long-time activist and writer. His debut novel, Chulito was released in the fall of 2011 and he has most recently co-edited an anthology of Gay Latino short stories in From Macho to Mariposa: New Gay Latino Fiction. Joining Charles on the panel is Alfonso Ramirez who contributed a piece to the anthology. Alfonso is not only a writer but he is also a teacher and an actor. He is currently working with renowned editor Marcela Landres towards publishing his novel. Finally, joining these gentlemen on the panel is Jesus Ramirez-Valles, a professor in the School of Public Health at UIC. In addition to teaching, Dr. Ramirez-Valles is also a researcher, writer and a producer. He was the Executive Producer of Tal Como Somos. In his published work, Compañeros, he details how eight GBT Latinos have been touched or transformed by the AIDS epidemic.
Along with the panel of prominent Gay Latino authors, we will display an art exhibit and silent auction that will feature works from local up-and-coming Gay Latino artists.
The event will be at Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (IPRAC), 3015 West Division Street, March 2, 6:30-9 p.m.
About the Association for Latino Men of Action (ALMA) - Empowering Latino gay, bisexual and questioning men by providing support, advocacy, and leadership opportunities, through innovative cultural programming.
About VIDA/SIDA - The mission of Vida/SIDA Bartolo Hernandez de Jesus HIV/AIDS Initiative, a project of the PRCCis to educate, advocate and empower Chicago's Puerto Rican/Latino community by promoting culturally responsive health care/resources that enable health affirming behaviors and attitudes.
About Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (IPRAC) - Located in Humboldt Park, in the heart of Chicago's Puerto Rican community, IPRAC is the only self-standing cultural institution in the nation devoted to showcasing Puerto Rican arts and historic exhibitions year-round.