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.

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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 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 and gay-friendly businesses. We also speak to David Villanueva who works to bring events and Ardivino’s Desert Crossing to life. He talks about the PRIDE Market which will be held at the property on May 25.

For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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. 

For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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.

For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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.

For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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!

For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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.

For more information visit www.queeronda.com

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 www.queeronda.com

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

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