BU School of Social Work (BUSSW) is proud to host a book talk and reception featuring BUSSW Professor and author Luis Alvarez-Hernandez, along with photographer Nys Sanchez, as they share the compelling life stories of gay and trans men living in South Texas featured in See Me! Gay and Trans Latinos' Testimonios on Mental Health, Discrimination, and Joy in South Texas. The two have partnered to bring this community’s stories of struggles and joy in a way that is accessible to everyone.
In the book, they 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.”
Professor Alvarez-Hernandez will read from the book and join photographer Nys Sanchez for a conversation moderated by Dr. Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz from BU School of Public Health. A reception with light refreshments will follow.
PROGRAM:
5:30-7:00 pm l Reading & Conversation (Hybrid)
7-8:00 pm l Reception (In-Person)
The first 15 registrants will receive a free copy of the book.
The books will also be available for purchase at the reception and for signing by the author and photographer. The digital version is now available for download free of cost through the Boston University Library
Author
Dr. Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez is a social work practitioner, researcher, and assistant professor in the Clinical Practice Dept. at Boston University School of Social Work. He spent over 10 years as a bilingual social worker in healthcare and mental health settings with Latine, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities. This inspired his research in the structural and social determinants of health of Latine, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities with a particular attention to the liberating experiences of people living at the intersections of these identities. Originally from Morovis, Puerto Rico, where he started his studies in social work, Prof. Alvarez-Hernandez now lives with his husband in Boston, Massachusetts.
Photographer
Nys Sanchez is a professional photographer known for his black-and-white editorial portraiture photography. Inspired by his friends, community, fashion, and film, his unique vision and authenticity has led to collaborations with nonprofit organizations, universities, and fashion models. As a transgender male, he has also made appearances as a guest speaker for Transgender Day of Visibility. Originally from Rio Hondo, Texas, he now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his fiancée and their family.
Moderator
Dr. Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz is an academic activist. His professional work focuses on engaging the social determinants of health to address health inequities among populations made vulnerable by racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, incarceration, and HIV status. Rodriguez-Diaz conducts community-based participatory research in Puerto Rico, the continental United States, and the Caribbean region. He has several funded projects to improve primary care, HIV prevention services, health services with sexual minority men, and primary care for Latinx and transgender populations.
This event is hosted by BU School of Social Work and co-sponsored by BU School of Public Health, the LGBTQIA Center for Faculty and Staff, and the BU Arts Initiative.
Please register to attend in-person or virtually. Thank you!
Accessibility
Boston University strives to be accessible, inclusive, and diverse in its facilities, programming, and academic offerings. Your experience at this event is important to us. If you have a disability or believe you may require accommodation for another reason, please contact BUSSW at bussw@bu.edu at least one week prior to the event date to discuss your needs.
Details on how to access the event virtually and in person will be sent to you via email from
alumni@bu.edu once registration is complete. Please check your junk/spam folder for confirmation. If you have any questions or cannot find the confirmation email in your inbox, please contact
alumni@bu.edu.
The virtual livestream will be conducted using the online Zoom webinar platform. This webinar is open to all members of the BU community including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the public.