Queer Onda El Paso

Ep. 33 - Love, Sidney

Our guest in this episode is Sidney A. Alvarez, a television and brand journalist who opens the door to one of life’s hardest truths in his debut book, Your Soulmate Expired, And That’s OK. We talk with him about some of the complicated realities of LGBTQ+ dating, and how happiness doesn’t always begin with finding “the one” — sometimes it begins with finding yourself.  Sidney shares his intimate journey through the shock, fear, and pain of losing a 23-year relationship, and how he came full circle by learning to empower others on their own emotional journeys. For more information visit www.queeronda.com

Ep. 32 - Our Photos, Our Stories

Documenting queer life through photography is an act of visibility, preservation, and resistance. For generations, LGBTQ+ stories have been overlooked or erased. Photography not only affirms our everyday experiences but also captures the milestones that shape our community. Publishing these images helps build a visual history in which future generations can see themselves reflected. By telling these stories authentically, we challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and ensure that queer voices are seen, valued, and remembered.     In this episode, we talk to Nitro Dresden, a freelance photographer and publisher of the Messenger group Events & Stuff, a local community resource. Nitro can be seen behind his camera lens, from Pride celebrations to intimate community gatherings. Here is his story. For more information visit www.queeronda.com

Ep. 31 - Living with HIV

In the early years of the HIV epidemic, particularly in the 1980s, an HIV diagnosis was often considered a death sentence. Without effective treatments, it was a terrifying, stigmatized, and rapidly fatal prognosis. Today, it is managed as a chronic, treatable condition. Still, there are many misconceptions about HIV treatment, and many patients still struggle with the perception of the stigma attached to their diagnosis.  For more information visit www.queeronda.com

Ep. 30 - Becoming Mindful

Joining us for an enlightening and sometimes funny talk is holistic healer Juan Francisco Estrada, founder of Massage N Spirit in Central El Paso. Juan’s work blends touch, energy, intuition, and lived spiritual experience to help people reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. And in times like these — when uncertainty, stress, and constant political noise surround us — his perspective feels more necessary than ever For more information visit www.queeronda.com

Ep. 29 - Party of One

Marriage equality has been one of the major political and social issues facing LGBTQ people in the US but on the other side of the coin is the freedom for gays and lesbians to embrace a life without a partner. Our guest,  Danny Casillas is a drag performer, actor and a retired civil employee for the City of West Hollywood. His blog, ‘ Die alone with me.com [http://www.diealonewithme.com/]’ embraces the many facets of being a single gay man. Adding to the conversation is our own Izzy Mora who shares his own experiences as single gay man in his fifties here in El Paso. For more information visit www.queeronda.com