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WATCH: A Journey into the World of Juliany Taveras
In the amazing world of storytelling, Juliany Taveras stands as a brilliant mind, creating tales that illuminate the lives and liberation of the Afro/Indigenous and queer/trans people. In a recent LATV Roots exclusive interview conducted by Francia, we delved into the captivating world of Juliany, a multi-passionate interdisciplinary artist hailing from Ayiti Bohio (Dominican Republic) but shaped by the diverse energy of Lenapehoking, New York City.
Who is Juliany Taveras?
Juliany, who proudly uses they/them/elle pronouns, reflects on their journey, originating from a Dominican immigrant family in New York. Being the first in their family born in the States, Juliany‘s love for storytelling blossomed under the influence of a mother who read to them daily during pregnancy. Growing up in Brooklyn, the support and encouragement received along the way nurtured a passion for self-expression through various mediums.
The stage adaptation of “Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress” marked a significant milestone in Juliany‘s career. This children’s book, transformed into a play, speaks volumes about self-expression, a theme deeply ingrained in Juliany‘s work. Their artistic journey mirrors a dual exploration—discovering personal lineages and family stories as a Caribbean individual, alongside embracing a creative path intertwined with a queer trans journey.
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Juliany’s passions intersect between multiple artistic disciplines: playwriting, screenwriting, poetry, photography, graphic design, and teaching artistry. They eloquently express how these diverse forms are different avenues for exploring questions about the world and creating the stories they wish to see.
While their plays often take on a poetic quality, Juliany emphasizes the beauty of not having to confine themselves to a singular mode of expression. Rejecting the simplicity of categorization, Juliany finds inspiration in the complexity of identity, gender, and history. They emphasize the richness within the Afro/Indigenous and queer/trans diasporas, challenging the oversimplification inherent in terms like “Latino.”
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Juliany’s work
At the core of Juliany’s work is a commitment to characters navigating the intersections of Afro/Indigenous and queer/trans identities. Their plays serve as a reflection of the richness within these communities, pushing back against the limitations of colonial narratives. Juliany’s artistic mission extends beyond representation: it is about creating stories that envision possible futures.
In a world often sunk in despair, Juliany sees storytelling as a beacon of hope. Through their work, they seek to expand imaginations and offer narratives that defy colonial restrictions. The focus is on caring for the planet, centering the most marginalized, and keeping alive histories that are constantly threatened with repression.
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In the interview, Juliany talked about decolonization and re-indigenization, prompting them to share indigenous practices that can serve as paths to healing and connection. Juliany emphasizes the importance of gratitude and reciprocity, urging a shift away from hyper-individualism. In embracing indigenous practices, they encourage a return to equilibrium, fostering a connection to the land, waters, and each other.
In Juliany Taveras, we find not just an artist but a visionary storyteller, dedicated to breaking boundaries and offering narratives that transcend the limitations imposed by societal norms.
We invite you to explore Juliany Taveras’ world further. Their website and Instagram beckon as portals to a realm where stories of liberation, love, and roots continue to unfold.
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