Queer Onda El Paso

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.   For more information visit www.queeronda.com

For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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 his identity. It was his mother Melissa who suggested that Paul had a ‘feminine soul’ and that insight he...

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 t...

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 Ardivino’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 a...

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 Border...

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...

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 fro...

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 produ...

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...

As we gather for the 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. For more information visit...

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! For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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. For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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 re...

Each episode of Queer Onda El Paso will end in our own personal take of what we learned, what we heard or what pissed us off. But as usual we manage to find the laughs in this section we call the Queer Onda Wrap Up. For more information visit www.queeronda.com