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.
Our Work
LA SERENATA
Written by Ernesto Javier Martínez
Directed by Adelina Anthony
Aderisa Productions
2018 | 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.
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
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WINNER, International Latino Book Award (Best Children's Picture Book in English
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WINNER, International Latino Book Award (Best First Book—Children Youth-Bilingual)
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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.
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
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
Ernesto Javier Martínez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies
University of Oregon
TEL: 541-346-5523 | ernestojotamartinez@gmail.com