The Sewers of Paris Podcast: BUSSW Professor Alvarez-Hernandez Explores Drag, Queer Identity, and Community Care Podcast Interview

Professor Luis Alvarez-Hernandez of Boston University School of Social Work recently appeared on The Sewers of Paris podcast to discuss his book, See Me! Gay and Trans Latinos’ Testimonios on Mental Health, Discrimination, and Joy in South Texas, which shares the compelling life stories of gay and trans men living in South Texas. On the program he talks with podcaster Matt Baume about queer popular media, Puerto Rican queer icons, and the evolving role of drag queens within LGBTQQ+ communities – particularly through the lens of social work.  

The podcast is about how queer lives are shaped by our favorite books, movies, music, and shows. Each week, guests open up about their secret struggles, hidden passions, and surprising triumphs by plucking a piece of entertainment from their past and answering the question: What’s the entertainment that changed your life? 

When asked what brought him to social work, Prof. Alvarez-Hernandez responded:  

“I always thought about what my role was with my friends and with people around in my community and in my family, and I often found myself helping others, giving advice, keeping secrets for my friends that were going through hard times, and I … eventually decided to do social work … I could assist individuals and also and educate them on different topics.” 

Learn More about Prof. Alvarez-Hernandez