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the

femeniños

project

Literature & Film for Queer Latinx Boys

the

femeniños

project

Literature & Film for Queer Latino/x Youth & their Familias

ABOUT

The femeniños project is a children's literature and narrative film initiative exploring the relationship between queer Latino/x youth and their familias.

 

Ernesto Javier Martínez founded the project

in response to the underrepresentation of Latino/x youth in cultural production, and as a way to mitigate the psychological harm and physical violence to which queer youth of color are subjected.  

About
Our Work

Our Work

LA SERENATA 

Written by Ernesto Javier Martínez

Directed by Adelina Anthony

Aderisa Productions

2018 |  Short Film

Coming Soon

A Mexican-American boy learns from his parents about  serenatas, and why demonstrating romantic affection proudly, publicly, and through song is such a treasured

Mexican tradition. One day, the boy asks his parents if there is a song for a boy who loves a boy. The parents, surprised by the question and unsure of how to answer, must decide how to honor their son and how to reimagine a beloved tradition.

La Serenata Still.jpg
Screen Shot 2018-09-21 at 1.59.03 PM.png

WHEN WE LOVE SOMEONE WE SING TO THEM

By Ernesto Javier Martínez & Illustrated by Maya Christina González

Translated by Jorge Gabriel Martínez Feliciano

Reflection Press

2018 |  Children's Book

  • WINNER, International Latino Book Award (Best Children's Picture Book in English

  • WINNER, International Latino Book Award (Best First Book—Children Youth-Bilingual)

  • 2019 American Library Association "Rainbow Book List" Selection

Advanced Praise:

“What a groundbreaking gem of a book that recognizes and celebrates the first heartbeats of a boy’s crush on another boy. This sensitively written story and its stunning illustrations hold up to the light an emotional truth that has heretofore been whispered and sings it to life!”— Rigoberto González, award-winning author and educator

“A book for parents as much as for children that should have been published centuries ago.”— F. Isabel Campoy, award-winning author and educator

“When We Love Someone We Sing to Them is touching, beautiful, and necessary. The intricate weaving of song through relationships—between parent and child, child and parents, child and love—gives life to a story that children can embrace from the heart.”— Innosanto Nagara, bestselling author of 'A Is for Activist' and more

“A wonderful reminder to us as parents, guardians, and caregivers that children already recognize the harmony of el bonito amor and need us to help them share it.”— Manuel Muñoz, award-winning author and educator

LA SERENATA 

Directed by Adelina Anthony

Written by Ernesto Javier Martínez

Aderisa Productions

2019 |  Short Film

A Mexican-American boy learns from his parents about  serenatas, and why demonstrating romantic affection proudly, publicly, and through song is such a treasured Mexican tradition. One day, the boy asks his parents if there is a song for a boy who loves a boy. The parents, surprised by the question and unsure of how to answer, must decide how to honor their son and how to reimagine a beloved tradition.

LS Postcard 2019.1.jpg
Screen Shot 2019-02-20 at 6.51.44 AM.png

JARDÍN DE MARIPOSAS

Written by Héctor H. Pérez for the film La Serenata

2018 | Song

A SONG FOR A BOY WHO LOVES A BOY

Support our queer Latino/x youth by listening to, discussing, sharing, and singing this song! 

 

Ask your local Mariachi and Trio to learn it. Serenade a loved one with it! Play it at your boda! Dance to it at your queer-seañera!

Find the lyrics HERE

Violence

 

Queer Youth

Deserve a Future

Full of Love and Dignity

Free from Self-Hatred and Harm

After coming out as gay, 9 year-old Anthony was tortured and murdered by his parents.

ANTHONY
AVALOS
(2009-2018)

Eight year-old Gabriel was taunted, tortured, and murdered by his father for being gay.

GABRIEL FERNANDEZ
(2006-2014)

Nine year-old Jamel came out as gay and a few weeks later committed suicide.

JAMEL
MYLES
(2009-2018)
Contact

CONTACT

Ernesto Javier Martínez, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies

University of Oregon

TEL: 541-346-5523  |  ernestojotamartinez@gmail.com

www.ernestojaviermartinez.com

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