In this episode of Queer Magic, we delve into the transformative world of visual storytelling with Yulissa Mendoza (They/Elle), a third-generation Latine multimedia artist hailing from the semi-rural community of Muscoy in San Bernardino, CA.  Yulissa’s work as a photographer and mixed-media installation artist is deeply rooted in creating safe spaces that encourage full self-expression and exploration.

Join us as we discuss Yulissa’s journey, from their early inspirations to their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. We explore how they challenge traditional gender roles while honoring cultural heritage, and how their art pushes the boundaries of fashion and culture. Yulissa shares insights into their creative process, the importance of community, and their vision for a more inclusive art world.

Tune in to hear how Yulissa captures the essence of queer magic through their lens, creating spaces where authenticity thrives and every story is valued.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! (YouTube coming soon).

Learn more about my styling packages on my website

www.luis-cornejo.com

#QueerMagicPodcast #YulissaMendoza #QueerArt #LGBTQCreatives #SafeSpaces #VisualStorytelling #InclusiveArt #LatineArtists #BreakingBoundaries #AmplifyVoices

In this episode of Queer Magic, we delve into the transformative world of visual storytelling with Yulissa Mendoza (They/Elle), a third-generation Latine multimedia artist hailing from the semi-rural community of Muscoy in San Bernardino, CA.  Yulissa’s work as a photographer and mixed-media installation artist is deeply rooted in creating safe spaces that encourage full self-expression and exploration.

Join us as we discuss Yulissa’s journey, from their early inspirations to their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. We explore how they challenge traditional gender roles while honoring cultural heritage, and how their art pushes the boundaries of fashion and culture. Yulissa shares insights into their creative process, the importance of community, and their vision for a more inclusive art world.

Tune in to hear how Yulissa captures the essence of queer magic through their lens, creating spaces where authenticity thrives and every story is valued.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! (YouTube coming soon).

#QueerMagicPodcast #YulissaMendoza #QueerArt #LGBTQCreatives #SafeSpaces #VisualStorytelling #InclusiveArt #LatineArtists #BreakingBoundaries #AmplifyVoices

Episode Title: Empowering At-Risk Queer Youth with Antonio Mateo Garcia

In this episode of Queer Magic, we explore the urgent realities faced by at-risk Queer youth and the power of community-driven support. My guest, Antonio Mateo Garcia (he/they), a queer Latinx transgender man and founder of HELP by AMG, shares his powerful journey from overcoming homelessness to leading a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting those in need.

Antonio’s lived experiences, from navigating life as a neurodivergent individual to pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management, have shaped his passion for advocacy and direct action. Together, we discuss the systemic barriers Queer youth face, the importance of mentorship, and how we can all contribute to creating safer, more supportive spaces for the next generation.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, empowerment, and the actionable steps we can take to make a real difference.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts.

🎙 Episode Title: Healing Your Inner Child & Celebrating Queer Latinx Joy 

Welcome back to The Queer Magic Podcast! In this episode, host Luis Cornejo (He/They) sits down with Angel Fabián Rivera, an actor, host, and Latino content creator reshaping narratives in entertainment. You’ve seen Angel in Planealongside Gerard Butler, West Side Story, and Border Baby, as well as on stage in Shrek the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. In 2024, he took on a major role as the host of the New York Latino Film Festival, leading him to launch Lights Camera Latino, a podcast amplifying Latino voices in media.

Together, Luis and Angel dive into a powerful and deeply personal conversation about:

✨ Healing the Inner Child – Navigating childhood experiences of suppression, shame, and resilience as queer Latinx individuals

🌈 The Power of Joy – Finding moments of self-expression despite societal and cultural expectations

🧡 Family, Identity & Generational Healing – Understanding parental grief, cultural expectations, and creating space for authenticity

🎭 Survival & Self-Discovery – How creativity, performance, and passion helped them reclaim their narratives

This episode is a heartfelt journey through both the struggles and the triumphs of growing up queer and Latinx. Angel and Luis reflect on what they would tell their younger selves, the ways they found joy even in difficult times, and how they continue to embrace their full, unapologetic selves today.

🔗 Tune in now and join us in this conversation on queer joy, healing, and self-expression!

🌟 Follow Angel:

📲 Instagram & TikTok: @AngelFabianRivera

🎬 Watch Angel in Plane on Amazon Prime!

🎙 Check out Lights Camera Latino Podcast

💜 Stay connected with The Queer Magic Podcast for more conversations that empower, inspire, and celebrate our community!

Rage is often dismissed, misunderstood, or silenced—but what if we saw it as something powerful, necessary, and even healing? In this episode of Queer Magic, I sit down with Andres Larios Brown, a passionate therapist, advocate, educator, and community organizer, to dive deep into the role of rage in queer liberation.

Andrés Larios Brown (they/elle) is a Utah-based Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to healing within LGBTQ+ communities. As Training Director and Partner at Simple Modern Therapy & Institute, Andrés focuses on trauma healing and well-being for those who feel marginalized or othered. They specialize in identity development and reclaiming healing practices for queer, trans, and BIPOC communities and are trained in various modalities, including EMDR, psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, curanderismo, and Radical Healing for QTBIPOC communities.

Beyond therapy, Andrés is deeply committed to education and advocacy. They create and facilitate trainings for therapists and serve as a faculty member at Utah Valley University’s Masters of Social Work program and the University of Oregon’s Couples & Family Therapy program. Their research and expertise extend into academia, with co-authored contributions to The Routledge International Handbook of Couple and Family Therapy and various scholarly articles.

With a background in community organizing, intersectional activism, and social justice work, Andrés bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that healing is both accessible and transformative for LGBTQ+ individuals. They and their husband of seven years live in northern Utah, where they prioritize time with family and loved ones.

Together, we explore:

🔥 What queer rage really is and why it matters

🔥 How anger can be a tool for activism, healing, and self-empowerment

🔥 The emotional and generational weight of being queer in a world that tries to erase us

🔥 Ways to channel rage into action without burnout

Queer rage isn’t just about anger—it’s about survival, resistance, and reclaiming our right to exist fully and unapologetically. This is a conversation about power, emotion, and the fire that fuels change.

Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s break the silence around the emotions we’ve been told to suppress.

Connect with Andres

Instagram: @alabrown22 @simplemoderntherapy

https://simplemodern.org/
https://www.andreslariosbrown.com/

First off, I want to thank ALL of you for supporting the Queer Magic Podcast. You have inspired me, motivated me, and empowered me to share my story.

I am getting ready to plan out the 2nd season of the podcast and one of the questions that has been coming up for me is "What is the purpose of the podcast?" In this special message, I share some thoughts and hopes for the upcoming season.

I would also love to hear from all of you and your thoughts on the podcast and any ideas you have for season 2!

Welcome magical listeners to the final episode of Season 1 of the Queer Magic Podcast! I'm your host, Luis Cornejo, and today's episode is all about the art of creating and nurturing relationships by genuinely engaging in self-growth and understanding.

Our special guest for this episode is Cynthia Flores!

About Cynthia:

Cynthia Flores is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, an Entrepreneur, Coach & Speaker.

She is a First Gen Mexican-American, proud daughter immigrants.

She helps other First Gen Cycle Breakers REMEMBER who they are outside of their traumas and the oppressive systems we live in, so they can HEAL & MANIFEST a more authentic, fulfilling life and loving relationships.

Dive in as Cynthia shares her insights on:

- The intricate dynamics of relationships.

- Recognizing and breaking generational patterns.

- Embracing our true selves to build stronger bonds.

- And the transformative power of doing the work to create fulfilling, loving relationships.

Before we wrap up this season, I want to give a huge shoutout to our sponsors, Chismosa Cafe and Proud Chicana, for their unwavering support. Their belief in the magic of this platform has allowed us to bring forward some of the most heartwarming, empowering, and enlightening conversations.

I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our guests this season. Your stories, insights, and passion have truly brought Queer Magic to life in every episode.

To our dedicated listeners, thank you for your continued support. Your messages, shares, and feedback have been the guiding light of this journey.

As we close this chapter, we're excited to announce that we'll be returning with Season 2 in early 2024. Stay magical, keep spreading love, and always remember the power of queer magic in creating genuine connections.

Until next time, be kind to yourselves and let love guide the way. ✨🌈💖🦄

Sex Education with Cindy Luquin! Tune in for an empowering and enlightening episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, as host Luis invites trailblazing sexual health educator and advocate, Cindy Luquin, to delve deep into the world of queer sex education and its paramount importance.

Sharing their personal stories, Cindy and Luis reveal the profound impact and glaring lack of queer sex education on their own lives, as well as its broader implications for the LGBTQ+ community.

Recognized as a thought leader in her field, Cindy's passionate advocacy for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and equity deeply resonates, inspiring confidence to embrace one's sexuality and catalyzing positive change for a more inclusive and fulfilling future.

Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that challenges societal norms, fosters personal growth and well-being, and paves the way for a healthier, more equitable world.

#QueerMagic #SexEdRevolution #InclusivityMatters

About My Guest:

Meet Cindy Luquin, a trailblazer in sexual health education and advocacy. With over a decade of experience, Cindy's electrifying talks empower diverse audiences to explore consent, boundaries, STI prevention, and abortion access. As a certified educator, their unique blend of knowledge and healing modalities like Reiki and curanderismo foster personal growth and wellbeing, revolutionizing healthy sexual practices.
Recognized as a thought leader, Cindy's expertise has earned prestigious collaborations, while their passionate advocacy for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and equity resonates deeply. Join Cindy as they break down barriers, inspiring confidence in embracing sexuality and paving the way for a more inclusive and fulfilling future.
SOCIAL LINKS

Website: https://www.pleasuretopeople.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyluquin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasuretopeople/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pleasure2ppl
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pleasuretopeople
Cindy Luquin (she/they)
Sex & Relationship Expert
Website: pleasuretopeople.com
Email: [email protected]

I had the incredible opportunity to interview the brilliant Rae McDaniel (They/Them), author of the groundbreaking book, "Gender Magic." 🎉

In this eye-opening conversation, we delved deep into the importance of joy and pleasure in gender exploration and transition. Here are my top three takeaways:

1️⃣ Joy and Pleasure in Gender: The author emphasized the need to celebrate the joy and pleasure that can be found in gender exploration and transition. By incorporating positive psychology and recognizing the power of joy and pleasure in connecting with our authentic selves, we can redefine the narrative of gender as not solely revolving on suffering but also triumphs.

2️⃣ Trusting and Honoring Experiences: While research is crucial in validating transgender and nonbinary individuals, it's equally important to trust and honor their lived experiences. By embracing a supportive and inclusive mindset, society can create a safe space that allows for self-discovery and the expression of diverse gender identities.

3️⃣ The book, "Gender Magic," invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, play, pleasure, and limitless possibilities. If you're interested in learning more about the transformative power of joy in gender exploration and transition, I highly recommend diving into "Gender Magic." Let's celebrate the magic within ourselves and uplift others by embracing our authentic selves.

About the Author:

Rae McDaniel (they/them) is a non-binary Speaker, Author, Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Coach, and Transgender Diversity and Inclusion Educator. 

Rae helps audiences gain the sheer audacity to be themselves in the world through play, pleasure, and possibility. 

Their book Gender Magic is a first-of-its-kind practical guide to achieving gender freedom with joy, curiosity, and pleasure for transgender and non-binary individuals, gender explorers, and those who love them (May 2023.) They have been featured in high-profile media such as The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Time, and Women’s Health. As a sought-after professional speaker, Rae has spoken at Rutgers University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, Soho House, The Wing, and Rachel’s Rodgers’ ROI: The Millionaires Summit. 

Rae is also the founder and CEO of Practical Audacity, a Gender & Sex Therapy practice in Chicago, serving over 400 clients yearly. 

When Rae isn’t educating audiences and bettering the world, they can be found drinking too much coffee, snuggling with their dog Gizmo (who might actually be a gremlin), or sipping whiskey with a good book. 

www.rae-mcdaniel.com

www.gendermagic.com

www.practicalaudacity.com

Purchase “Gender Magic”

IG & TikTok @theraemcdaniel 

Facebook @raemcdanielgendermagic 

🌟#GenderMagic #JoyInGender #QueerMagic #AuthenticSelf #GenderExploration #TransRights #Nonbinary #InclusiveMindset #LGBTQ+ #Podcast #BookRecommendation

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Queer Magic Podcast!

Our special guest for this episode is Angel Casas, a no-diet personal trainer based in Chicago, Illinois, who will be sharing their experience with religious trauma.

Religious trauma is a complex and often overlooked aspect of many people's lives, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. It can stem from the conflict between one's religious upbringing and their identity, causing emotional distress, shame, and even long-lasting psychological effects. Angel Casas shares his personal story and perspective on this matter. Our goal is to create dialogue and support individuals in their journey toward healing and self-acceptance when experiencing religious trauma.

Throughout the episode, we'll provide our listeners with valuable insights and practical tips for healing and growth. So, let's dive into this important conversation about religious trauma with Angel Casas.

About my guest:

Ángel is a Weight Inclusive, Certified Personal Trainer & DEI activist in the Health and Fitness industry.
Àngel is an immigrant to this country. Born in Mexico and raised in Chicago, he was brought up in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household alongside traditional Mexican values. However, later in life, he left the church after coming out as a gay queer man.
His professional background is in the Real Estate and Insurance Industry but when Covid hit and shut everything down, he decided to make a career change and became a Certified Personal Trainer. He decided to start a fitness business dedicated to helping people lose weight since he himself had lost over 100 pounds.
However, helping people lose weight, brought to light his own disordered relationship with food and fitness. He admitted himself into an Eating Disorder treatment center which was where he learned about Diet Culture, fat phobia, White Supremacy, Religious trauma, and many other systems of oppression.
This eye-opening experience made him realize how harmful and racist Diet Culture is, particularly for Brown, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. He also noticed the lack of diverse representation in the Eating Disorder space, with thin cis white women predominantly leading it. This realization fueled his mission to dismantle Diet Culture and decolonize fitness, empowering others to break free from oppressive chains and reclaim their bodies, especially queer and BIPOC folx.
This gave birth to his now Non-Diet Personal Training business. No more diets, no more counting calories, no more meal plans. No more scales, no more weigh-ins. No more before and after pics. Instead, he teaches his clients about intuitive eating and joyful movement, reclaiming the power that was originally taken from them.

Website: nomorefearcoaching.com

https://www.instagram.com/theantidiettrainer/