Cultural Affairs Office

Press and Communications

June 23, 2023 -- In celebration of Pride month, The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs announces its fourth exhibition in the Expressions! series with “Aquí and Now,” a showcase of queer Latinx voices from across Texas.

Presented by The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) and Raspa Magazine, “Aquí and Now” calls attention to the lives of those whom society and government continue to persecute and oppress. The works on display seek to cultivate understanding with the exchange of personal histories and experiences through creative expression to combat the rampant anti-queer, specifically anti-trans, and anti-immigration legislation in Texas and across the United States.

The voices and creative expression of all Houstonians is a value of this administration and our city,” says The Mayor.  “It is important for the LGBTQIA+ community to be protected, seen, and welcomed in all spaces, including City Hall. I have supported and fought for the marginalized and the oppressed since the beginning of my career and will continue to do so.”

The exhibition is curated by César Ramos and features literary works by Jesús I. Valles, mónica teresa ortiz, S Rodriguez, Saúl Hernández, SG Huerta, and Houston-based writers Farrah Fang and Stalina Villareal. Accompanying their work are portraits rendered in a color spectrum reminiscent of the rainbow, a longstanding symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride.

César Ramos, the editor of Raspa Magazine remarks, “Freedom from fear of existence is the freedom to become a fully realized individual, to embody the human condition without limitations. Unfortunately, history has taught us that liberation is not easily attainable. It is a constant struggle to have our voices heard, our histories acknowledged, and our love respected. More now than ever it is important that we stand up for ourselves. “Aquí and Now,” is a celebration of queer Latinx voices, but it is a firm reminder that we will not be silenced.”

A site activation will be held in The City Hall Legacy Room on Thursday, July 20th, from 4 pm to 5 pm.

Visitors are invited to experience some of the featured authors read their work and engage in a discussion about creative life in Texas.

“Aquí and Now” is on view from June 15th through August 25th, 2023.

César Ramos, the editor of Raspa Magazine remarks, “Freedom from fear of existence is the freedom to become a fully realized individual, to embody the human condition without limitations. Unfortunately, history has taught us that liberation is not easily attainable. It is a constant struggle to have our voices heard, our histories acknowledged, and our love respected. More now than ever it is important that we stand up for ourselves. “Aquí and Now,” is a celebration of queer Latinx voices, but it is a firm reminder that we will not be silenced.”

A site activation will be held in The City Hall Legacy Room on Thursday, July 20th, from 4 pm to 5 pm.

Visitors are invited to experience some of the featured authors, read their work, and engage in a discussion about creative life in Texas.

“Aquí and Now” is on view from June 15th through August 25th, 2023.

About César Ramos 
César Ramos is an editor and publisher. He is the founder of Raspa Magazine, a queer Latinx literary publication that focuses on the marginalized voice of self-identifying queer Latinx from the US and abroad. He also organizes Rough Nights: A Reading Series, literary events featuring queer Latinx writers across the US. He is an Intercultural Leadership Institute and a National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) Leadership Institute Fellow. He currently resides in Houston, TX.

About The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs guides the City’s cultural investments with policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors, and leverage private investment. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonMOCA.