qvNation

Justice Moreno

Tidbits of news, views, and politics-from in and around the qvCommunity. Califas’ New Latino Justice! Justice Carlos R. Moreno was sworn in as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California on October 18, 2001, following his nomination by Governor Gray Davis. qvStaffer Makes Out 100: Luna Luis Ortiz, a longtime qvMagazine photographer, and Shawn Atkins have been chosen as part of the 2002 “Out 100” for their work in producing an HIV awareness public service announcement directed towards gay youth of color. Are Gay Parents Better? New study shows that gay couples make good parents. They Said What? Latino celebrities like Nicholas Gonzalez and John Leguizamo talk to qvMagazine about the Gay Latino Community! [click here for more]

qvArt

Artwork by Hector Silva

Art By Hector --Interview by Demetrio Roldán Hector Silva is a very talented gay Latino artist. Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, he came to the U.S. when he was 17 years old not knowing he had a talent for drawing. But in the ensuing years, Hector has drawn the attention of the art world with his distinct pencil drawings that range from celebrity portraits to erotic masterpieces. qvMagazine spoke with Hector about his incredible talent. [click here for more]

qvMusik

Blu Cantrell

True Blu --Interview by Luther Orrick-Guzman Her R&B anthem “Hit ‘em up Style” recently hit #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Judging by the other incredible tracks on her debut album, “So Blu,” it looks singer Blu Cantrell will have many more hits to come. qvMagazine spoke with the sexy young starlet about her first gigs as a musician, her goals for the future, and about her many gay fans and friends. So give it up for Blu Cantrell! “I’ve heard of your magazine!” Blu giggles as she begins her interview. So I start by explaining how “Hit ‘Em Up Style” may end up becoming a gay anthem. She starts to giggle and says, “Oh, easily! Yes! (laughing) I know! Most of my friends are gay men! They think it’s fabulous and they love it!” .... [click here for more]

DJ Barney

DJ Spotlight: DJ Barney in da House --Interview by Demetrio Roldan One of the busiest deejays in the Los Angeles gay Latino club scene is DJ Barney. This incredibly talented Mexican/Filipino deejay, who was born and raised in the city of Bakersfield, California, spins the best in house and hip-hop four nights a week at four of LA’s hottest nightclubs. qvMagazine spoke with Barney after a crazy Saturday night of spinning at Pasadena’s Club Crave at Copa Nightclub. [click here to read full text]

Jaguares' Saul Hernandez

Like A Jaguar --Photography & interview by Luther Orrick-Guzman One of the most respected bands in the Rock en Español music genre is the group Jaguares. They are respected because of their groundbreaking rock rhythms and deeply poetic lyrics. Currently, this super group is in the middle of a red hot North American tour to promote their latest critically acclaimed album entitled, “Cuando La Sangre Galopa.” qvMagazine spoke with the band’s drummer Alfonso Andre about the group’s music, the challenges of touring, and how they reacted to the events of September 11... [click here for more]

Ozomatli members Raul & “Wil Dog”.

Ozomatli --Photo & interview by Luther Orrick-Guzman Ozomatli is a rock group whose members are of various ethnicities including Black, Chicano, Cuban, Japanese, Jewish, and Filipino. Their distinct Afro-Latin influenced sound has earned them a barrage of fans and their latest album, “Embrace the Chaos” has skyrocketed to the top of Billboard Magazine’s Latin Albums chart. qvMagazine spoke with the band’s guitarist Raul Pacheco and bassist “Wil Dog” Abers... [click here for more]

Survey

Model: Julio

Chill Out, Dad...Being Gay Ain’t No Big Deal! --Photo by Luther Orrick-Guzman Dads can sometimes be hard to please in general! And when you’re gay...whew! Can you imagine having a conversation with him about that? Well, in our latest qvSurvey, you did, so to speak! Given the chance, here’s what YOU would want to tell your father about what it means to be a homosexual. So come on dads, loosen up—and listen to what your gay sons have to tell you! [click here to read full text]

Feature Stories

The Rodriguez family (l to r): Andrina, Victor, Jesse & Andrew.

Tying the Knot...Gay Latino Style! Two Latino Men Fall in Love and Decide to Share their Lives Together--Forever! -- Interview by Demetrio Roldán Getting married is one of the greatest commitments two people can make. For San Jose, California, couple Jesse and Victor Rodriguez that decision became a reality a few months ago on September 15, 2001 when the couple took the plunge and got married in front of their friends, their families—and their two children! Yes, Jesse and Victor are the proud parents of 8-year-old Andrew and 7-year-old Andrina. qvMagazine spoke with Victor about meeting his life partner, Jesse, and what it feels like getting married to somebody who has kids. "When you meet someone who has children, you have to be ready for that. If you’re committing to someone with children, you have to know it’s a whole package deal. It’s not just you and your partner and the kids are on the side. You got to love your partner and his children, also. For me, I don’t even consider myself a step-parent. I consider myself as their real father...." [click here for more]

Sal Sandoval, Jr., and his father, Sal Sr.

A Father's Support A Straight Latino Father Shows His Love When His Son Comes Out to Him. -- By Demetrio Roldán One of the scariest things that many of us gay Latinos face is the thought of coming out to our parents—particularly our dads. In our culture, fathers are seen as the macho patriarch who surely couldn’t accept gay people. At least, that’s how many of us think. In this intriguing story, you are about to meet one father who has not only accepted his son, but is comfortable enough to talk about it. Sal, Sr., remembers the day when his oldest son, Sal, Jr., came out to him. Sal, Sr. recalls, “He was very quiet. He looked at me and said, ‘Dad, I’m gay.’ At first, I thought he was joking. He was only 12 years old. But he wasn’t, and it was kind of hard. I went to work, and for three days, I didn’t really know where I was. I was kind of like in La-La Land. Not here, but not there. It took me three days to really settle my head down and try to understand him. I was really hurt. I was so hurt that I didn’t know if I wanted to cry or just lock myself in a closet and not see anybody. That’s the kind of feeling I had.” ... [click here for more]

Oscar Gutierrez with his children (l-r): Luis, Alicia, and Oscar

A Dallas Dad A Gay Latino Talks About the Challenges and Triumphs of Being a True Father. -- By Demetrio Roldán Having children is a huge responsibility for anyone. And when you’re a gay dad, those responsibilities and the pressure placed upon you are even greater. 26-year-old Dallas resident Oscar Gutierrez is the father of three children and is gay. He has stepped up to the plate to talk to us about the challenges and rewards that come along with being a gay parent. "I want them (my kids) to be open-minded and to know that we (gays) are out there. I think one of the hardest things is to try to keep the kids from being closed-minded. I guess I want my kids to accept me the way I am..." [click here for more]

qvAdvice Columns

Astrolo-V: The fierce La Chicharona reveals what the stars have in store for you! Hey Chulos! It’s getting colder these days, and my teeth are ch-ch-ch-chattering away! So what I gotta do is find me a nice papi chulo, who’ll keep me warm at night, and hold me tight—que rico! Get the picture? So what’s going on with you? How is your man treating ya? Is he the firme papi chulo you’ve always dreamed of? Don’t know? Well, sit back and relax...and let me dig into your future and see what the stars have in store for you. Read on...[click here to read full text] Dear Papi: Boyfriend troubles getting you down? Let your dear 'ol Papi help you out. THE PAPI IS IN! Can you believe it’s been four years since I started giving you advice and helping you in any way I can. It’s been great and as always, I’m here to talk to you! So whatever is on your mind, even if it’s guy troubles, talk to me... [click here to read full text]