Let’ s Talk About It

With the popularity of podcasts on an upward trend, representation of different communities within the platform has also increased over the years. In 2019, BYLATINMEN, a Queer-Latino entertainment podcast, debuted at #35 on Apple Podcast charts, marking the start of a long journey for creators and friends Kevin Ortega-Rojas and Anthony Polanco.

Over the last four years, the duo has talked with community icons like “RuPaul’s Drag Race” legends Alaska, Trinity The Tuck, and Queer-Latino actors such as Harvey Guillén, Juani Feliz, Johnny Sibilly, and Jai Rodriguez.

“We’re really glad our show has been able to bring in Queer people of color to remind our audience that there is room for us anywhere,” Kevin and Anthony share about the opportunity to talk with individuals from all aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.

While they have felt welcomed by the Queer community, they also understand that having real conversations can be difficult. That’s why their topics range from the ongoing violence toward trans-women, the racism Black and AfroLatinos face in the community, and HIV/AIDS awareness, to more lighthearted topics like sex, dating, and pop culture. The hosts do their best to have authentic conversations about issues they care about and that also directly affects the communities they represent.

Photography: @SidewalkKilla

“We have so much more to do and so much further to go,” share the duo, but they have already begun to be recognized for their work. They were most recently awarded “Best Podcast” at the NYC Glam Awards, one based solely on the people’s choice. “To receive that recognition was an honor, and we felt really embraced by our community,” they share.

Now in its fourth season, Kevin and Anthony feel their BYLATINMEN podcast is giving silenced voices a spotlight “in a time when Black and Brown bodies are constantly being harmed and LGBTQ+ people are being silenced.” Their main focus is finding new ways to share stories and build community.

The evolution of the podcast has also happened internally, transitioning from three hosts down to two. As for the change, Kevin and Anthony believe the BYLATINMEN brand has grown into its own identity, and in that journey, “we’ve truly learned who we are as a show.”

As a venture that started from a group chat having funny and sometimes heated debates, to a podcast with over 100 episodes featuring notable guests and meaningful conversations, BYLATINMEN is an example of authentic Queer representation that is helping fight stigmas.

BYLATINMEN is available on all podcast platforms. Episodes can also be streamed directly from ByLatinMenPod.com.

Instagram: @BYLATINMEN