Story perspectives

Queer Latinos Celebrate Kinship and Visibility at CLAW

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

Yair Lopez highlighted kinship among queer Latinos at the CLAW convention in Los Angeles.
He documented friends at a gathering called "Leather Thanksgiving," underscoring chosen family.
Lopez's photography and community work, including founding Contramundo, seek Latino visibility in the leather scene.
Lopez and Leonardo Iriarte, the first Latino Mr. L.A. Leather, illustrate the significance of safe spaces for self-expression and connection in a city where queer Latino representation is limited.

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Story summary

Yair Lopez highlighted kinship among queer Latinos at the CLAW convention in Los Angeles.
He documented friends at a gathering called "Leather Thanksgiving," underscoring chosen family.
Lopez's photography and community work, including founding Contramundo, seek Latino visibility in the leather scene.
Lopez and Leonardo Iriarte, the first Latino Mr. L.A. Leather, illustrate the significance of safe spaces for self-expression and connection in a city where queer Latino representation is limited.