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Latino Alternative Storytellers
Latino Alternative Storytellers is an original docu-series and editorial special that showcases creatives who carry on the Latino tradition of storytelling. Our upcoming episode will feature Latino artists making an impact on our communities.
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Josielyn Aguilera is a trans Latina actress who was born in Mexico and raised in California to a single mom. Aguilera knew from a young age that she wanted to be a girl. She remembers her birthday each year, blowing out candles, wishing she’d wake up the next day as a girl. Finally, as a teenager, she came out and her mom was supportive. The biggest male influence in her life at the time was her uncle, a macho-in-style Mexican man, who she was really scared to tell that she was trans, that she wanted to be a girl—her true self. When she told him, he said, “Okay, what will we call you?” And without skipping a beat, he said, “Josielyn?” And from that moment, that was who she was always meant to be. As an actress in Hollywood, Aguilera loves playing trans Latina characters, but what she would love is to play characters that are larger than her trans and Latina identities. She’s interested in full, complex roles—who just happen to be Latina, who just happen to be trans.
Carlos Irizarry, known in the dance world as Carlos Basquiat, grew up in the Bronx in a Puerto Rican family where things weren’t always easy. He was bullied as a kid, but dance gave him a way out—it became his escape, his voice, his everything. That love for movement took him places he never imagined, from dancing in commercials for big brands to choreographing for stars like Ariana Grande and Estelle. Then came the call that changed everything: Beyoncé’s team. He joined the Renaissance tour, marking a major milestone in a journey that’s still unfolding. Now based in Los Angeles, Carlos is a fixture in the voguing community, using his art to show others that no matter where you come from, your passion can carry you to places filled with love, purpose, and pride.
In this segment of Latino Alternative Storytellers, we step into the flavorful world of Jesus Zambrano, an L.A. native turned viral food blogger with over half a million followers. From his home kitchen, Jesus shares more than just recipes—he shares his heart. A thoughtful and soft-spoken creator, he found his voice through cooking, and now uses food to celebrate his multicultural family. As a proud gay Latino dad of five who adopted children from around the globe, Jesus honors their heritage with every dish. With honesty and warmth, he opens up about parenting, faith, and the quiet power of showing up as your full self—even when the world doesn’t always understand.
In this intimate and inspiring interview, singer David Archuleta reflects on his journey of identity, faith, and self-discovery. Born to a Honduran mother, David always felt deeply connected to his Latin roots—but coming to terms with his queer identity was a longer, more painful road. Raised in the Mormon faith, his childhood took a turn when his family moved to Utah and he suddenly found himself as one of the few non-white kids in his community. At just 16, David skyrocketed to fame on American Idol, sharing stages with the likes of Katy Perry and Kanye West. But behind the polished image was a young man struggling to reconcile his true self with what he thought the world—and his faith—expected of him. For years, he hid a vital part of who he was, believing it was wrong. Then there was a turning point: coming out and embracing his identity as a queer man. Though not everyone accepted it right away—including his own mother—David stood firm in his truth. Today, he’s creating music that reflects his whole self, feeling inspired, energized, and finally free.
