Plascencia, Raul

Growing up in Compton, California as a young queer Chicano person, the appearance of The Virgin of Guadalupe was very common and daily. Especially due to the fact that my grandparents are devout Catholics, imagery of the Virgin of Guadalupe could be found throughout the entirety of the household. La Morenita could be found displayed upon multiple photo frames throughout our home’s walls, embroidered on both pillows and rags, and even could be found wrapped around our necks on gold medallions. The Virgin’s imagery could be found even on television, on the show “La Rosa de Guadalupe” which is seen routinely by my younger sisters and my grandmother. As well as this, the religious connotations that are represented with the image alone is quite nostalgic and brings this feeling of safety and home. The image of her likeness gives me a feeling of ease and relaxation, and this could be because her image is stamped everywhere within my traditional Chicano home. For example, when times are tough, my grandmother as well as my father pray to the Virgin of Guadalupe, often dedicating an altar to her within the household, where they gift her both beautiful flowers and even light various candles.