06/03/2022
About my graduation stole.
As a 1st generation immigrant, Q***r Mexican and person of color, it was vital for me to walk down the isle representing my community and intersectionality.
Going back to school at 42 wasn’t an easy task; nonetheless, it was this same life experience that made my time at NYU so much more enjoyable and recognize that attending school doesn’t have an age cap.
In every hardship, I remembered all the children/people who can relate to any part of my identity; therefore, giving up, was not an option I could afford, nor one I wanted.
In honor of my Mexican culture and my LGBTQIA+ community, this is the significance of my stole and me:
My stole was beautifully assembled and hand sewn by my talented aunt and my hard working mother .arias.79 .
Every textile piece is from various regions of , including the place that saw me come to life,
The purple part of the stole that bonded both sides came from my moms Huipil (huīpīlli). The green textile that ends my stole comes from my aunt Divina’s .
What is a huipil?
“The Huipil is a canvas for culture and identity and is truly indigenous. Most woven-in designs are sacred symbols that represent the vast diversity of over 60 ethnic groups in Mexico.”
The ivory part (where my all inclusive pride flag and my Mexican flag are) was my daughter’s dress from an indigenous group called the Triquis, in Putla, Oaxaca.
The Tehuana part of the stole with the black background and flowers, comes from the Zapotec ethnic group from Tehuantepec, Oaxaca.
The square with the fruit baskets were embroidered by my grandma, who today has given the sun 99 turns or runs lol.
Last but not least the golden and red represents el Istmo, which is the largest region of the state of Oaxaca.
This stole is in dedication to all my peeps who see me and can relate to me . I am here for you and with you. Stand loud and proud!
Happy Pride Month Family!
