The Homo Homies

There is a new duo on the scene challenging the stereotypes of both the Latinx and gay community.  As gay men, they are unabashed with their Dodgers jerseys, shaved heads, love for food, and gold chains…they are first-generation Americans and not afraid to celebrate their Latino heritage.  As Mexican and Guatemalan Americans they are not afraid to showcase their gay side and will just as readily chat about their Grindr use as they will about the progression of the Latinx image post-Trump.  They are fabulous; they are the hosts of The Homo Homie Podcast, and they are here to make some noise.    

The Homo Homie Podcast is based on a character created by host Erick Velasco.  One of eight siblings and the proud product of Mexican migrants, he became the first openly gay Spanglish (Spanish and English) on-air sports correspondent known as ‘Erick-A, The Sports Homo Homie,” for Exitos 93.9 FM (Radio Centro 93.9 –KXOS).  He then went on to share the latest in gay news every week on Ice Cube Presents BIG3 Radio.  Originating from SoCal, he started his education in entertainment studying at a music conservatory program in Glendora at Citrus Community College. His training consisted of studying theater, dance, and vocal music, ranging from classical to musical theater with the Citrus Singers Group. During his time there he was an active member of the community and became a well-seasoned performer in the U.S. and traveled to various countries within South America and Central Europe.  Seeing the world and meeting a wide variety of people has helped shape his mission to create an all-inclusive environment around him, at the same time celebrating the differences and heritage that makes us who we are.  

Not only has he worked in broadcasting, but he has also helped in establishing a 501c3 non-profit started by entertainment personality RaqC called “Amigas 4 My Soul.” It’s an organization that he is proud to support that helps to inspire all women to live purposefully and courageously regardless of their background, age, financial status, or sexual orientation and provides tools for them to build a better tomorrow. 

He has been very open about his journey to his current level of self-confidence in both the Latinx and gay community, it wasn’t always easy.  He, as many gay newbies in SoCal, tried to conform to the idea of the West Hollywood ideal – pretty boy, button-up, slim fit jeans – sipping cosmos and chatting about Housewives.  It wasn’t all for him.  Becoming a full-time guardian and a stand-in dad for his niece since she was 5 has helped him appreciate what matters.   

His Homo Homie Podcast co-host, Jose Resendez, never tried to fit the West Hollywood image.  What you see is what you get.  Jose is an award-winning communications expert with over a decade of diversity & inclusion experience in the U.S. Hispanic market — specializing in publicity, digital media, influencer marketing, talent relations, content curation, programming, production & events.  He graduated with honors from the Ai Miami International University of Art & Design with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and was later inducted into their Hall of Fame.  He has worked with several high-profile Fortune 500 companies and has collaborated with several celebrities & influencers for brand campaigns including Sofia Vergara, Eva Mendes, Taylor Swift, and Perez Hilton.  Jose was listed in Adweek’s PR 30 Under 30 for his career & listed in ALEGRIA Magazine’s “Most Inspiring Latinos” issue. 

This dynamic duo has a palpable presence on the air, and in their short time has gained a loyal following and attention from high-profile personalities from the Latinx, LGBTQ, and entertainment community.  Their episodes range from chats about sexual health, hookup apps, HIV, and saving gay nightlife to chats with Latinx/LGBTQ warriors and celebrities. 

How did you guys meet? 

Both: We met through another podcast called Amber Rose Presents “Risque with RaqC & Rubi” where Erick was the Assistant Coordinator for the show, and the host RaqC had invited Jose to be a special guest — Jose had just moved to LA from Miami… Little did we know that it would be the last episode for that show and that we would hit it off as homies ever since! 

What is The Homo Homie podcast about?  Is it only for Latinos to listen?  

Both: The Homo Homie Podcast (TheHomoHomiePodcast.com) helps amplify all voices! Our views just so happen to be from a Queer Latinx perspective. Educating you on everything LGBTQ+ and more, all while creating allies and bridging the gaps. This podcast is for everyone to listen to — in hopes that anyone can take something away from our conversations and have a better understanding of our diverse LGBTQ+ spectrum. We encourage everyone to follow us at @TheHomoHomiePodcast on Instagram to join in on the conversation. 

I want to talk about your experience as 1st generation Americans – Erick you’re from California, Jose from Texas…I want to know how your culture was cultivated in terms of also being a kid in the US…talk to me about that dynamic?  

Erick: As with every family that migrates to America, my parents wanted what was best for me. At a young age, I spoke Spanish fluently but as soon as I started schooling that quickly faded away over the years. It was really challenging not being able to speak Spanish when I needed to speak or understand it with family members. However, the fact that my family still upheld family traditions like Noche Buena, El Dia De Los Tres Reyes Magos, El Dia De Los Muertos, and even with Quinceañeras — all to help to keep my culture alive and in doing so I was able to continue learning about my identity and where I come from as well as re-learning Spanish all over again. As I get older, I’m starting to understand that dynamic of how my family, friends, co-workers & acquaintances really shaped who I am as a proud Mexican American.   

Jose: Yea, what she said! My upbringing was a bit different in the sense that it was very natural for me to learn Spanish at home and English in school, and juggle both effortlessly throughout my childhood and into my professional career now. Knowing Spanish is not only beautiful but beneficial today.  

When did your sexuality start to emerge?  When did you know you wanted to stuff pinatas and not tortas?  

Erick: I started to know that I was different at the age of 4 when I had my first kiss with a girl and did not like it. Then when I was 5 or 6, I remember kissing a boy at school and that sparked a whole new feeling. It was not till I was in middle school that I found out what gay meant. Then in high school, I came out to my fellow peers and at 19 that is when I officially came out to my family.       

Jose: I had a crush on a boy in 5th grade — that is when it clicked for me that I was into piñatas and not tortas. Although I did not hit my first piñata till my late teens and have been overeating (real) tortas ever since.  

What were your coming out stories…how were you accepted by the machismo Latino community?  

Erick: My parents had given me a car as a high school graduation gift. As soon as I learned how to drive, I did my research and I took my first trip to a gay club called OZ in Buena Park, CA, and met my first crush, Justin. I was still living with my parents and had been coming home late almost every other night from visiting Justin, which literally took me an hour and a half to drive to and back from seeing him. Finally, one night at 3 am, I had walked through the door and my mom was up in the kitchen. She confronted me and started asking me if I was doing drugs or selling them, did I get a girl pregnant, everything but the gay question. Then at that moment, I blurted it out, “I’m gay, Mom.” She took it hard, sat at the table, and started crying. I went to my room and started to pack a bag so I could just leave and get away. My dad had heard all the commotion, came out in his underwear, and asked what was going on. I turned to him and told him that I was gay. To my surprise, my dad, still half asleep, said “That’s it?! We’ll talk about it in the morning, just go to bed.” Ever since I came out that day, my life got better, and I had the best relationship with my family.     

Jose: I am not sure if I already came out or not, or if it is required for me? I came out publicly on an international Spanish morning show on Telemundo for GLAAD’s Spirit Day just last year — it was a weight lifted off my shoulders although I still have a lot of weight to lose. In all seriousness though, coming out is very personal and optional, regardless of a machismo Latinx community or not, don’t be pressured into doing so if not necessary, wait till it’s the right time for yourself, not for others.  

Did you both ever feel the pressure from the LGBTQ community to conform to Pretty Boy Syndrome?  I mean you both look very cultural – that’s your style, that’s your inflections, that’s your brand….  

Erick: When I started going to college and meeting other gay men in my music group, the guys that I hung out with were all about that West Hollywood esthetic: Tight skinny jeans, shoes from Toms, tight-fitting shirts, and concealer to hide blemishes. It wasn’t till after I graduated from my music conservatory program that I opened my world to other parts of the LGBTQ nightlife outside of West Hollywood. Such as Circus, Arena, Tempo, Chicos, Cobra – these were the Queer Latinx places that I found my identity.     

Jose: What do you mean I look cultural? Is it my JLo booty and Sofia Vergara accent that gives me away as a thriving Latina? I do not have Pretty Boy Syndrome however I also don’t frequent WeHo — or the gym for that matter.  

You both decided to embark on a career in entertainment and media – what sparked that decision, what were the first artistic experiences that influenced you? 

Erick: I have always been interested in arts & entertainment growing up. In elementary there was a 6th-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, who would always perform at talent shows singing opera ballads, so I approached her to take singing lessons and have always had a passion for music. Not only did school fuel this passion but so did my family. I have two uncles that are heavily involved in entertainment, that worked closely with Ricardo Montalban. I attended many award shows and had seen Latinx representation and was truly happy that there were other celebrities that looked like me.   

Jose: I went to school for it, majored in media arts with degrees in Marketing and in Advertising, which led to internships in Public Relations in Hollywood and the rest is history. I’ve been working in pop culture for much of my career and it’s equally a passion and hobby of mine which makes it less work and more fun.  

Now we all know the stereotypes and assumptions of the Latino community in the world…what oppositions did you have from the entertainment industry in advancing in your career? 

Erick: Being someone who was heavily involved in musical theater the only problem I faced was that there was never a role for me. I would always have to conform to a white roll. If anything, West Side Story was about the only role that was available to me and this was even during the end of college (2005). The more I started to become familiar with working in Latinx entertainment as an assistant to RaqC, the more I started to realize that for there to be representation I would have to step up myself.    

How do you both work together on creating the podcast?  Two strong personalities both with extensive resumes…tell me your secrets? 

Both: It is all about communication, trust & respect. We both talk everything out and we both have something to contribute. Just because our personalities are different does not mean we cannot come to a solution. Sometimes we do have disagreements and we both give and take but at the end of the day, it is all about what it takes to help our podcast grow and what benefits the communities we stand for. We enjoy learning from each other! And no, we have not kissed or cuddled.  

What have been the biggest obstacles in your podcasting career?  

Both: The fact that we are a small team that does it ALL! The challenges with editing audio, booking interviews, drafting outlines, designing flyers, coordinating schedules, uploading, and promoting across social media take a heavy toll on us but it is all worth it. It’s not easy trying to balance our “real” jobs and with personal responsibilities — Erick is a Mami/Papi and has been raising his niece! We are very grateful that we’re able to put out content that we’re proud of, representing our community, and able to lift each other up. Our goal one day is to walk into our own studio space, record, and walk out and have everything handled for us — what a dream! 

What is Latinx, Hispanic, Latino…what is the difference?  Why do you, we, need all these specific terms?  

Both: These terms are constantly being interchangeable in their usage. It depends on who you are speaking to and in what context. Some may not like these terms, and some could care less whereas others take the time to know how to use them and their meanings. Hispanic includes people with ancestry from Spain and Latin American Spanish-speaking countries and most choose not to use it because it was created more so by a white man. While Latino includes people with ancestry from Latin American countries regardless of language spoken and excludes people from Spain or Portugal. Meanwhile, Latinx is a modern gender-neutral word that is inclusive of everyone — replacing the Spanish-language masculine “O” and the feminine “A” with the “X” at the end. 

What do you want for the future of The Homo Homie Podcast?  Where do you go from here?  

Both: We hope to become a global network that helps with the change we need in society, to educate & unite all. Being able to help others view our community and have a better understanding of who we are is our goal and for us to do that, we must continue doing groundwork in amplifying the voices within our diverse & inclusive communities. 

Do you think having a targeted “only” show – whether Latinx / LGBTQ is limiting in any way and does the opposite of being inclusive?   

Both: Our podcast is for EVERYONE! We just so happen to be Latinx and part of the LGBTQ+ community. We are sharing our perspectives of what we see going on around us and at the same time learning, listening, and showcasing other stories and cultures so that we may all learn how to become better allies at the end of the day. Remember that sometimes you must build it to see a reflection of yourself out there — representation matters and we love to see it. Can we get an Amen up in here? 

Erick Velasco: @TheHomoHomie | Jose Resendez: @TheJoseResendez 

https://thehomohomiepodcast.com/