The concept of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the latter half of September and the first half of October, originated to raise awareness of the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans — specifically, those whose ancestors originated in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and other states in the Americas. Festivals and educational events are held to celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans in their communities.
MONTH OF HISPANIC HERITAGE: A HISTORICAL REVIEW
During the month of September 15 to October 15, Americans commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the community’s history, heritage, and contributions made by ancestors of American citizens who came to the United States from countries such as Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and the United Kingdom.
The date of September 15 has been designated as the beginning of the month because it is significant for various reasons. El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras celebrate the 50th anniversary of their independence from the United Kingdom. From this point on, the national independence days of Mexico and Chile will be celebrated on September 16 and September 18, respectively. The celebration of Dia de la Raza, commonly known as Columbus Day, occurs on October 12, which falls inside this month.
Hispanic Americans have played an essential role in the development of the United States. These individuals have made incalculable contributions to the nation, and they exemplify the finest of American ideals. The Hispanic-American population has made an unmistakable impact on both the culture and the economics of the United States.
The SVTV Network celebrates Hispanic History Month by amplifying the voice of Alexander Rodriguez, the host with the most of “On the Rocks” Radio Show, streaming now on the SVTV Network.
Meet TV/Radio’s Alexander Rodriguez, the love child of Joan Rivers, Johnny Carson and Judy Garland. A true renaissance man, he wouldn’t be caught dead without his signature suit, loud tie, matching pocket square, and a cocktail (or two in hand).
Alexander’s sense of humor shines through in his cabaret shows (when he can remember the words), daily life, and his nationally syndicated radio show “On The Rocks with Alexander: Where Celebrities & Cocktails Mix” on SVTV Network, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and Spotify. He chats with big-name guests from classic to current Hollywood, reality TV, pop culture and music, meshing celebs from all walks of life to draw together a truly diverse listener base regardless of age, orientation or gender. Viewers never know who they are going to find rubbing elbows on this non-stop laugh fest that talks about everything entertainment; after a few drinks you see celebs in a different light, answering questions not usually asked.
In addition to On the Rocks, he hosts Metrsource Minis, U.S. of Gay, and The Naked Truth podcasts, bringing his signature style to a variety of genres. He is the king…or queen…of podcasts.
The SVTV Network sat down to take a moment to find out more about the fiery host, and to celebrate his contributions to LGBTQ entertainment and his Hispanic heritage.
What is your POV on the lack of LGBTQ Latino/Hispanic representation in Television and film?
It still seems that the majority of roles we play are gang members or maids, with a few exceptions. I really think that the Latinx community needs to get more involved behind the camera. If no one is going to tell our stories or write about us, we need to do it ourselves. I also believe the Latin community needs to be more involved in supporting other minority groups such as the LGBTQ, Asian, black, and female groups. We can become more visible when we start to reach out and support others.
What obstacles have you faced as a queer Hispanic/Latino storyteller/creator?
This is a great question. Though my family is Hispanic, I was raised without speaking Spanish in the household or celebrating Mexican customs. I was one of the only Latino kids in a private school in Southern California, in ultra-conservative Orange County. The area, to this day, continues to have a negative stereotype about people from my culture. We are considered the help, or illegals. As a kid, I had to try to fit in to make life easier…unfortunately, at the expense of being a stranger to my heritage. As an adult, I have taken the opportunity to learn more about my family and my ancestry, but I am still stuck in the middle. I am considered not Latino enough for the Latinx entertainment community, or I am considered too ethnic for mainstream media. Being a storyteller, I want to tell this story. My story is very much part of the Latinx community, there is a whole generation just like me that is late to the game, but still proud.
What success have you encountered in amplifying the voices of other Queer Hispanic/Latino storytellers/content creators/artists?
Through my show, On the Rocks with Alexander, I have had the absolutely amazing opportunity to chat with leaders in the Latinx entertainment community. We have been able to sit and have candid chats about the industry and our roles as leaders in the Latinx community. I have been inspired by many of my peers, including actress Marlene Forte, Executive Editor of Entertainment Weekly Patrick Gomez, and BuzzFeed’s Curly Velasquez. I have also learned a lot from other Latinx podcasters that were raised in and know more about our culture, the hosts of the Homo Homie Podcast have done a lot to build bridges between the Latinx and LGBTQ community.
What would you tell other Queer Hispanic/Latino individuals trying to break into the industry?
The biggest tip I can give others getting into the industry is to GET INVOLVED. Get involved in the community, be a leader. Getting involved also means supporting other minority groups, as I mentioned. The more we are visible, the more our talents and stories will become an integral part of the entertainment community.
What is your favorite quote that gives you inspiration and can be inspiration to others?
This is a funny question. I don’t really subscribe to inspirational quotes. Maybe the Live Laugh Love signs turned me off, lol. I find that quotes are empty without the actions behind them. Just like sending thoughts and prayers doesn’t really do much, reciting quotes doesn’t really do much if you aren’t going to do anything about it. BUT, I continue to be inspired by Frida Kahlo…she was her own person, even when faced with adversity. Her quote, “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” is a reminder for us to shift the focus on what is in our way and focus on where we are trying to get to.
How do you suggest the issue of Queer Hispanic/Latino representation in entertainment be equalized?
We need to spread out. I see so much Latinx programming and marketing that is solely geared towards that community. It’s the same thing with the LGBTQ community. Why are we busy presenting and preaching to our own group? We need to break out of our comfort zone and get out there – we need to start getting our writers in the writer rooms of mainstream shows, we need to get our directors behind the camera of big-budget films, we need to get producers producing content that speaks to a bigger market. It’s time to evolve.