by: Chelsea Flores
Chelsea Flores (T&I – Spanish ’25) returned to her homeland of Honduras and hosted workshops at the El Centro Cultural España Tegucigalpa (CCET). Here is her story.
During my first year at MIIS, finding spaces like Queers and Allies at MIIS (QAAAM), as well as other student-led initiatives like the Queer Joy Collective (QJC), have truly allowed me to feel my most comfortable and supported self. Founded by MPA student, Coral Crissey, QJC is a mutual aid organization dedicated to spreading queer joy as an act of community resilience, leading to broader social change for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals. This summer, through the Experiential Learning Fund, I had the exciting opportunity to intern with QJC and host two collage-making workshops in my ancestral homeland of Honduras, at El Centro Cultural España Tegucigalpa (CCET).
Having first learned of CCET through Instagram during their celebration of Women’s History Month, I was instantly drawn to the center’s dedication to creating free and public spaces that celebrate feminist and queer expression in a country where almost 90% of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals go unpunished. Fostering a safe space free from the stress of having to hide one’s identity in fear of rejection, harassment, and violence was critical for my project. I wanted to open dialogue about the social stigmas experienced by those with diverse identities in Honduras while offering artistic mediums like collages and zines (independent publications) as accessible tools for self-acceptance and community building.
Art has the potential to reflect community problems and the desires of marginalized groups. A common theme throughout the workshops was the experience of social isolation and the frustration of being discriminated against in everyday settings, such as medical, religious, and educational spaces. Together, we must disrupt norms that promote male dominance and rigid gender roles, and instead envision an inclusive future where one can feel like the true owner of their narrative.
