Global Inspiration

ENLACE was inspired by work at the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association, which mobilizes communities by raising critical consciousness and solidarity. Their asset-based approach promotes pride based on sexual diversity and gender fluidity in youth leaders’ own communities and provides the skills to confront stigma, discrimination and social isolation.

Based on the Pedagogy of the Oppressed developed by the Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire, ENLACE provides effective communication that draws on youth’s own cultures, symbols, and language to reflect critically and take action.

Telenovelas or (Spanish for soap operas) are important in Latin American cultures. Telenovelas have been used to motivate public discussions about contemporary social issues like bullying, family rejection, homelessness, and substance use.

Check out our article about social isolation among LGBTQ+ youth globally.

By Youth for Youth

Latinx LGBTQ youth created telenovela-inspired videos as part of a Summer Intensive workshop with Outside the Frame, an NGO that amplifies the voices of marginalized youth based in Portland, OR. Youth learned to develop scripts, film, direct and edit. Youth transformed their own stories about social isolation into tools to help other youth know that they are not alone.