About the Cover
Cover photo by Luna Luis Ortiz

Our qv24 cover models are Frank Lopez (left) and Christopher Rodriguez. Frank lives in Yonkers, New York, where he is a model, actor, and dancer. In fact, he dances for freestyle singer Sa-Fire. Christopher is an actor and model who lives in the Bronx, New York. Frank and Christopher have been good friends for many years, supporting each other, not only in their careers in the entertainment industry, but also supporting each other in life’s many challenges.

The Amigos/Compadres Issue

This is our first issue in the Year 2002 and it is with great optimism that we look at the year ahead. This will be a year of great expansion for qvMagazine. In the magazine itself, we are bracing ourselves to expand the number of pages and to add more color pages. In cyberworld, we’ve already upgraded our website, and we’ll be adding more interesting gadgets—including an upgrade of qvTelevision—and a news and events section. Finally, in the events/promotions department, we’re busy making preparations for several special qvEvents nationwide. We’ll keep you posted on all these exciting events coming soon.

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Jose Medina and his mother share their story in “De Colores.”

Tidbits of news, views, and politics-from in and around the qvCommunity.

• Film De Colores! De Colores is a new documentary that describes how Latino families and communities are replacing the deep roots of homophobia with the even deeper roots of love and tolerance. .
• A New Latin Mayor! Austin, TX—Former Austin city councilman Gus Garcia recently trounced a large field of challengers to become the first elected Hispanic mayor of Texas’ capital city.
• A QV TV Network? According to a recent issue of TV Guide, MTV and Showtime are in “serious discussions” to launch a QV TV channel—possibly within a year.
• They Said What? Latino celebrities like Wilmer Valderrama and Sandra Vidal talk to qvMagazine about the Latino Community!

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Gael Garcia Bernal
Photo by Luther Orrick-Guzman

Gael Garcia Bernal
--Interview by Luther Orrick-Guzman

On June 8, 2001, an incredible movie called “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” (And Your Mother Too) opened in Mexico. That week, the film shattered box office records by grossing $2.2 million in its first week—the biggest opening ever for a film in Mexico. And now, this astonishing movie, which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film, is about to open in the U.S. qvMagazine spoke with the film’s handsome young star, Gael Garcia Bernal about the movie and about his tremendous success as an actor.

We first saw Gael Garcia Bernal in the 2001 Oscar-nominated film “Amores Perros.” And if “Amores Perros” didn’t take Gael to sex symbol status, then the erotic drama “Y Tu Mama Tambien” definitely will....

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Javier Bardem
Photo by Luther Orrick-Guzman

Staying True To His Art: Javier Bardem
--Interview by Luther Orrick-Guzman

It’s been a year since actor Javier Bardem earned an Oscar nomination for “Best Actor” for his role as QV poet Reynaldo Arenas in the critically acclaimed film “Before Night Falls.” Since then, he has kept busy with several new films, including his current film entitled, “Segunda Piel (Second Skin).” Despite his new fame, Bardem has remained as modest and philosophical as ever!

Javier say he hopes that many qvReaders will see ‘Segunda Piel’ because it’s a very familiar story in the QV lifestyle. He explains, “What drew me the most to my character was not so much that he was QV, but that he was someone who loved. He was a very noble character, a doctor, and generous. I have many friends who are openly QV and others who aren’t—it’s not easy if you aren’t out.” ....

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Jay Hernandez
Photo by Luther Orrick-Guzman

Jay Hernandez
--Interview by qvStaff

Actor Jay Hernandez is undoubtedly the hottest young Latino star in Hollywood today. His role in last summer’s film “crazy/beautiful” opposite Kirsten Dunst opened many doors for this handsome young star. We spoke with Jay about numerous topics including acting, his new film “The Rookie,” and about his QV fans...

QV: Has a guy ever hit on you before?
Jay Hernandez: (Smiles) Yeah, it’s happened before.

QV: How did it make you feel?
Jay: Awkward, flattered. I don’t know. I mean, my manager was QV—the guy who discovered me. I guess he saw something. I don’t have any problem with that. It’s nice. It’s just like anyone who respects what you do. It’s cool....

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Enrique Iglesias
Photo by Luther Orrick-Guzman

2002 qvReaders' Choice Awards
What celebrities do Latinos admire most? Find out in the 2nd Annual qvMagazine Readers’ Choice Awards!

Welcome to the 2nd Annual qvAwards! This is the awards celebration where YOU choose the winners! In late 2001, we conducted a poll to find out your favorites in music, television, and movies! And now we’ve got the winners! The envelope please...

This year’s big qvWinner is pop superstar Enrique Iglesias. Enrique overtakes Y2K favorite, Ricky Martin, and picks up two qvAwards for “Favorite Latino Celebrity” and “Favorite Male Singer.” ...

[click here to see all the winners!]

Felipe Infante

A New Stage in Life
Felipe Infante Talks About the Ups and Downs of Life, from Inadvertently Putting a Straight Guy in His Place...To the Pain of Coming Out to His Parents.
--By Felipe Infante

Isn’t it funnywhen we discriminate against each other for no apparent reason? Why the walls, the separation, the hate? Why so much resentment towards each other’s communities? Who is my community? Well, I am QV and Latino. Both comprise who I am as a whole. So yes, I am a minority within a minority, but hell no! I am not a minority—I am my own person. I am writing this story to share with you who I am and some experiences that have forever changed my life.

“While at home, I got into a huge argument with my dad about something. I cried a lot, and I told my mom I was frustrated and ashamed of myself. She asked why, but I could dare tell her. I was nervous and shaking...”

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Carlos Mitchell
To e-mail Carlos, click here.

Beating the Odds
Muscular Dystrophy Can't Stop This Latino from Living a Productive Life.
--By Alfredo Ortiz

Carlos Mitchell is a first generation Chicano, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He was brought into this world by a mother who he has never met, a mother who at the time of his birth was struggling to keep food on the table and survive each passing day. Carlos was born with muscular dystrophy and needed special care—care she could not afford.

“Being QV and disabled has its issues. The only thing that stops me is my wheelchair...I can love someone, just as they can love me. I am handicapped, not dead. I can do everything everyone else does sexually!”...

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Danny Carlin and Mike Montalvo

Straight Up!
Meet Mike, A Straight Guy Who Tells Us How He Became Best Friends with Someone Who Is QV.
--By Mike Montalvo

Danny has been a major part of my life for the last four or five years. Growing up, I never thought I would have a QV best friend, but then again, I don’t think it’s the kind of stuff you think about. When people ask me, “Why do you hang around a QV guy?” it actually bothers me. I don’t see Danny as a “QV friend.” He is my friend. That’s all....

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Astrolo-V: The fierce La Chicharona reveals what the stars have in store for you!
HEY PAPA! I’m working really hard to get into shape for the next couple of months. I even tried rollerblading and running by the beach, but that’s pretty hard for me. So now I’m just giving my eyes a good workout, sitting down and watching all the fine papis go by. But enough about me...let’s talk about you. Is there gonna be a man in your life pretty soon? Hmm...let me take a look into your future, and see what’s up! Of course, you know me...the fabulous La Chicharona always has something good for you!... [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! Relationships are an intricate part of life, but why are they so complicated? Sometimes, you’ll meet a really fine guy, who’ll, unfortunately, turn out to be such a jerk. And other times, you’ll meet an ugly guy, who’ll, surprisingly, turn out to be pretty cool. So whatever is happening to you, let me know... [click here to read full text]

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