Roger Thayer Stone Center For Latin American Studies

Tulane University

Katie Acosta Lecture: "How Sexually Nonconforming Latinas Navigate Interracial/Interethnic Same-Sex Relationships"

October 4th, 2010
6:00 - 7:30 PM

Location
Lavin-Bernick Center (LBC)
Room 203
Tulane University
Uptown Campus

“Mami, Soy Lesbiana y Mi Pareja es Morena”: How Sexually Nonconforming Latinas Navigate Interracial/Interethnic Same-Sex Relationships

Abstract: In choosing to enter relationships with a person of the same gender, sexually nonconforming women often face disapproval from the outside world as well as from their own families. Disdain for these relationships can be further exacerbated when the couple does not share a racial or ethnic identity. This paper examines the tensions that sexually nonconforming Latinas report experiencing within their interracial or inter-ethnic partnerships. The data is based on 40 in-depth interviews with lesbian, bisexual and queer Latinas who live in the Northeastern United States. These women have found themselves in relationships with white women, African American women and other Latinas with different nationalities. These partnerships yielded unique tensions for the participants, resulting in their feeling torn by the conflicting needs of their partners and their families of origin. In this paper, I discuss the barriers to intimacy that sexually nonconforming women report experiencing on account of cultural clashes and familial rejections. I document how issues of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality play out in the family and how the burdens arising from these intersections influence the respondents’ interpersonal relationships. I also explore the complex dynamics that shape how families react when their female loved ones decide to enter relationships with other women many of whom are of a different racial or ethnic background. In doing so, I contribute to our understanding of how Latina/o families handle different levels of non conformity as women transgress both sexual and racial boundaries.

Dr. Acosta is an Assistant Professor in Tulane’s Department of Sociology and is a core faculty member of the Stone Center for Latin American Studies. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut and joined the Tulane faculty in 2009.

This event is sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs Office and the Stone Center for Latin American Studies as well as Cultural Awareness Planning Committee. It is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Desirée Anderson via email at danders7@tulane.edu or by phone at 504-865-5181.

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Reading Latina Voices Online Book Group for High School Educators

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This spring 2021 we invite all K-12 educators to join us once a month in an online book group. This past year has been a challenging one for everyone but especially K-12 educators. Sign up and join us as we explore the stories of women confronting identity as Latinas in the United States. Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies, AfterCLASS and the New Orleans Public Library partner to host this online book group. The books selected are recognized by the Américas Award and focus on the Latina experience. The group begins with the work of award-winning author and poet, Elizabeth Acevedo who will speak in a unique online format on March 23rd presented by Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies and Newcomb Institute.

  • B) Free – you find your own copies of the books at your local library.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 29, 2021

Reading Schedule – Thursdays at 6:00 PM CST

  • February 11 – Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
  • March 18 – The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
  • April 15 – American Street by Ibi Zoboi
  • May 13 – The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano

Sponsored by AfterCLASS and the Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University and the New Orleans Public Library.

Central America, People and the Environment Educator Institute 2021

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This summer educator institute is the third institute in a series being offered by Tulane University, The University of Georgia and Vanderbilt University. This series of institutes is designed to enhance the presence of Central America in the K-12 classroom. Each year, participants engage with presenters, resources and other K-12 colleagues to explore diverse topics in Central America with a focus on people and the environment. It is not required to have participated in past institutes to join us.

The Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University is excited to host and coordinate this year’s institute. Tulane University and New Orleans are both unique and important places to explore the deep connections to Central America with a focus on people and environment. With presentations by leading historians and sociologists on Central America, environment and race we are excited to share the work and resources from presenters as well as the unique resources at Tulane.

REGISTRATION
This year, we provide participants the opportunity to participate in the institute as a blended synchronous learning cohort from June 14 – 25. The institute will focus on team-building, cross-disciplinary connections and curriculum development.

Synchronous Learning Cohort June 14 – 25, 2021
Registration fee: $15. All synchronous activities occur between 4 – 7 pm CST Monday through Friday.

  • pre-workshop materials and resources sent to your home
  • copy of book of poetry by Jorge Argueta
  • pre-workshop reading assignments (approximately 4-6 hours of coursework)
  • asynchronous lectures by faculty (lectures posted up to two weeks before institute discussion)
  • synchronous class discussion (2 – 3 hours Monday – Friday from 4 pm – 7 pm CST)
  • final reflection paper/pedagogical assignment

NOW REGISTERING FOR THE SYNCHRONOUS LEARNING COHORT Early registration is now open and will end on May 3, 2021. Early registration is $15. Starting May 4 registration will increase to $30. For more information, please email dwolteri@tulane.edu or call 504.865.5164. Space is limited.

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