Prof. Alvarez-Hernandez Publishes Stories of Gay & Trans Men in South Texas in New Book, “See Me!”
Assistant Professor Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez of Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) shares the compelling life stories of gay and trans men living in South Texas in his new book, See Me! Gay and Trans Latinos’ Testimonios on Mental Health, Discrimination, and Joy in South Texas.
Using a combination of written personal accounts and black-and-white photo portraits, Prof. Alvarez-Hernandez and his collaborator, photographer Nys Sanchez, bring this community’s stories of struggles and joy to the public with an open-access digital book now available for download free of cost through the Boston University Library, and a print version available on Amazon starting January 1.
The author and photographer write, “When we are seen, life appears in full colors. The testimoniadores (storytellers for social change) in this book tell their life stories as gay and trans men living in South Texas. They also show their faces and bodies through black-and-white photographs as their authentic selves, determined to connect with all of us.”
A special launch event in celebration of the book’s release will be held at Boston University on Feb. 11. Prof. Alvarez-Hernandez will read from the book and join photographer Nys Sanchez for a conversation with moderator Dr. Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz from BU School of Public Health, followed by a reception. Photos from the book will be exhibited at the event and by BU Arts Initiative.