Capturing the Latin Male

As part of America’s largest minority group, gay Latinos have made major contributions to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and heterosexual communities. This is especially true in places with large Hispanic populations: South Florida, where I live, would have been much the worse without the contributions made by Frank Arango, Ramón Muni, Jorge Mursuli, Tony Ramos and other gay Latin men. Even so, there is still a tendency to stereotype Latin men. A working class, effeminate Chicano who lives in Southern California is very different from a middle class, macho Cubano who lives in Southern Florida. The only way to do justice to the Latin gay experience is to accept and celebrate our diversity.

“Latin Gay Men: A Photographic Collection” is a work in progress that promises to showcase gay Latinos in all our diversity. A joint project by two South Floridians - author Will Castillo and photographer Glen Mitchell - “Latin Gay Men: A Photographic Collection” will combine Mitchell’s photos with Castillo’s text. The book, as Mitchell tells me, will be “an Artistic exploration into the diverse and interesting community of the Latin American Gay Male.” Castillo agrees, adding that “this project hopes to capture Latin American Gay Men as they are today in their natural, comfortable state, and present them to the world as they choose to appear. This is the first time a work of this kind is being attempted. The book project will not only be a photographic collection but also an essay on the many varied facets that comprise the Latin Gay World.”

According to Glen, “Will contacted me with the idea. I was familiar with Will through his articles and through his media attention as Mr. Florida Leather, and as someone I wanted to photograph.” Furthermore, “Will is great to work with. His energy, intelligence and enthusiasm are wonderful.” Will is quick to return the compliment, telling me that he is “privileged to work with a photographer having such a wealth of talent as Glen Mitchell. I am confident he will capture Latin Gay Men as they are. The men photographed thus far have expressed much praise on him as a professional and as an artist.” For the record, I am one of the men who've posed for “Latin Gay Men: A Photographic Collection.”

The gay Latin men who were captured by Mitchell’s camera are as diverse as the Latin community itself. In Mitchell’s words, “so far every man has been different, but all have been attractive and masculine.” When all is done, Castillo tells me, “at least 40 men will be published in the book with multiple poses for each individual in the dress of their choice: leather, jeans, gym gear, casual wear, nudes, and more. The types of men sought will be from all walks of life: black, white, red, mestizo, mulatto, big, small, muscled, lean, HIV positive, HIV negative, blue collar, white collar, etc.” Castillo is currently recruiting men who “convey a masculine gay male look. They will be screened by me initially. Afterwards, Glen and I will discuss whether the candidate is a viable choice for our project.”

Previous photo books about gay Latin men were of the “beefcake” variety, with erotic shots of nude Latin Men. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) “Latin Gay Men: A Photographic Collection” will not be a “beefcake” book. In Castillo’s words, “it will be a coffee table type book with photos and words to encapsulate the Latin Gay Male paradigm, something both straight and gay individuals have expressed a longing for.” On the other hand, Mitchell tells me that “there will be some nudity, and lots of beef and sex appeal, but more than that, it will be an interesting portrait of the men, through words and photographs.” “Latin Gay Men: A Photographic Collection” will have something for everyone.

As Glen Mitchell sees it, “we’ve just begun work on the project, but it is moving along quickly, and we’re both committed and enthusiastic, and giving it our all.” Castillo adds that “as soon as the models are photographed, the collection will be submitted for publication. The text portion of the book will include a chapter with ample writings on the subject of Latin Gay Men, along with some background information on each male photographed. The book will be written in English and Spanish to address both populations.”

Like our straight counterparts, gay Latinos must deal with many problems that are inherent to being a minority in America. In Will Castillo’s words, “many are the barriers that men of color face in coming out of the closet, accepting their homosexual orientation, and being assimilated by their families, friends, culture and peers. As with all walks of life, whatever is present in any particular segment of society will also be present in the gay strata: discrimination, racism, struggle, acceptance and finally assimilation. This book is an opportunity to help the assimilation process of Latin Gay Men in the public forum on gay issues.” Interested candidates should contact Castillo at will@floridaleather.org. “Latin Gay Men: A Photographic Collection” is a promising project, and I am glad to be part of it.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and unabashed lefty (in both senses of the word) who lives and writes in South Florida. Send him a note at jessemonteagudo@aol.com.