Posted on October 8, 2024 by Germaine Age Williams
The UTSA Libraries’ fall edition of Pizza & Research will observe both Hispanic Heritage Month and National Coming Out Day with a unique blend of plática and song to showcase the transformative power of music in challenging patriarchy, sexism and colonialism. Featured presenter Rachel Yvonne Cruz, UTSA Mexican American Studies assistant professor and music specialist, will share her personal story as a Queer woman, Xicanx and Latine navigating the intersections of ethnicity, culture and sexuality.
The UTSA Libraries’ fall edition of Pizza & Research will observe both Hispanic Heritage Month and National Coming Out Day with a unique blend of plática and song to showcase the transformative power of music in challenging patriarchy, sexism and colonialism. Featured presenter Rachel Yvonne Cruz, UTSA Mexican American Studies assistant professor and music specialist, will share her personal story as a Queer woman, Xicanx and Latine navigating the intersections of ethnicity, culture and sexuality.
Music is an integral part of Cruz’s life.
“I sang before I spoke,” she says. “Music has always been with me, like a conjoined twin.”
She notes that music is included at the beginning of every wonderful life event, from inaugurations and sporting events to graduations and weddings. This profound connection with music has been a driving force throughout her life and academic career.
Cruz will don her acoustic guitar, an essential part of every presentation she does. With it, she invites others to reflect on how music and the arts can empower marginalized communities.
Read more at UTSA TODAY
— Germaine Age Williams
