Generating Radical Inclusion & Transformation
This series of conversations explores how grit, an attribute often given to people who overcome obstacles, can serve as a tool to build agency. With a specific focus on creative expression, G.R.I.T. seeks to expand what it means to practice art for social change. The title stands for: Generating Radical Inclusion & Transformation. In this session we will talk with Gaudencio Marquez about The Queer Mercado.
Download these documents for more information about the participants of The Queer Mercado:
The Queer Mercado is a marketplace composed of Queer / LGBT+ Creators, vendors & artists. They are the first permanent LGBTQ+ feature in the community that takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month. This is a unique space where they uplift, celebrate and support new business and talent in and around East Los Angeles through a holistic approach in the marketplace / vendor community. We intend to create economic opportunities for Queer / LGBTQ+ community members, specifically those that traditionally have not been afforded the opportunities to activate and elevate their brands, art and even the opportunity to incubate innovative ideas. The Queer Mercado creates a space that will also engage the local community by contributing vendor fee profit to the local High school, engage youth in job training opportunities through In the Making, and ultimately help create safe environments for LGBTQ+ community members and ensure they see themselves represented and celebrated through a supportive and loving community.
Diana Díaz
Diana Diaz is daughter of Mexican immigrants and former street vendor. She founded The Goddess Mercado and The Queer Mercado Collectives Non-Profit. Her non-profit has created safe spaces for youth to express themselves, creatively, lucratively, and with the support of our local community and schools. Her organization promotes entrepreneurship within our underrepresented Latin women youth and LGBTQ. Vendors and artist are assisted with branding, logo, graphic design, mobile boutique presentation, marketing and more. Diana is a fashionista activista and creator of Mexichic Crafts. The first luxury leather Chicana brand from East Los Angeles. Her exclusive and colorful designs promote culture, tolerance, acceptance, and love.
Diana was born, raised, works and still lives in East Los Angeles. She is a school counselor, volunteer and board member with InThe Making- A non profit that trains, employs and empowers local youth.
Gaudencio Marquez
Gaudencio Márquez, MSW, PPSC has 15 years of experience working at the intersection of education and social services. With graduate training in social work from CSULB to guide his practice, he has led and developed programs for youth in schools, districts, nonprofits, and foster care agencies. Highlights of his career include serving as the Chief Program Director at Communities In Schools of Los Angeles, School District Social Worker for the community of Santa Ana, and now the Principal of Organizational Health at Communities In Schools National. To complement his profession with the art of joy, Gaudencio launched his own business, Casa De Larquez, a crochet lifestyle brand. Making a splash in the crochet social media world, his brand quickly grew, leading Gaudencio to partner with The Queer Mercado as a founding organizer; his latest venture is the host of a podcast uplifting queer vendors and voices.
Some of the members of The Queer Mercado: