Why are we reading a book by Richard Blanco, isn’t he Gay?
During orientations this summer peer advisors were asked by several of our parents and
students, “Why are we reading a book by Richard Blanco, isn’t he Gay?” We can all agree that
such a questions would leave us with some anxiety and wondering how do we best respond?
As the Associate Director for MPAS LGBTQA Initiatives I have been asked to respond to this
question in a thoughtful and meaningful way. So I have put together some information, helpful
insights and resources to share.
Having read “The Prince of the Cocuyos,” I understand the value this colorful text has for our
entire FIU community. In the book Blanco discusses issues of nationality, gender, class and
sexual orientation through his own personal lens as a young boy and shares family stories we
can all appreciate, empathize and learn from. I could rationalize many reasons why this book
matters to all of us but I decided that one of the best ways to articulate the importance of this
book is by sharing with you some of our own students’ insights as to why reading “The Prince
of the Cocuyos” is important to students?” Below are some of their responses.
“Going from a high school setting to a university setting can be an overwhelming transition
for students. Part of the reason why this change can be so difficult is because, for many
students, college is their first time being exposed to so many people from such different walks of
life. FIU prides itself on its multiculturalism and diversity, and rightfully so, but for many students
this can be an intimidating change. Race, religion, sexual orientation, and ethnicity all play a role
in one’s personal identity but they also play a role in our interactions and relationships with
those around us. The heterogeneity that makes up FIU can be a daunting setting to immerse
oneself in, which is why Richard Blanco’s The Prince of Los Cocuyos is the ideal choice for the
common reading for incoming freshmen.
With the recent Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage and with the gradual increase of
LGBTQA representation in media, in addition to the ongoing discussion of ethnic and cultural
minorities in the U.S., Blanco’s The Prince of Los Cocuyos provides students with the
opportunity to educate themselves on the experiences and issues faced by so many minorities.
Being an FIU student entails being surrounded by and interacting with people that are different
from oneself in terms of identity and background, and Blanco’s book allows students to be more
cognizant of these other points of view. Having an increased understanding and awareness of
other’s experiences can help students expand their knowledge base and be more open and
accepting.
On the surface, Blanco's story is that of a young man trying to fit in and find his place in the
world as a gay Cuban American. On a deeper level however, Blanco's The Prince of Los
Cocuyos goes beyond growing up gay. His story goes beyond growing up with a Cuban family.
Blanco’s story is about finding your identity, which is something that many students can relate
to. Being a college freshman comes with many changes and a multitude of new experiences.
Many students reinvent themselves or truly start to form an identity and discover who they are
as they begin their collegiate experience. This book eases this transition and period of selfdiscovery as it allows students to see that they are not alone, and that finding your identity is a
normal part of the college experience, regardless of race, religion, orientation, or ethnic
background.” Jose Sabatier – Senior
“As a student in Middle and High school I remember reading books like Night by Elie Wiesel and
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beal. Books like those communicated the struggle that
victims of oppressive governments had to suffer through. They help students develop a more
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mature concept of the world they live in, and allows them to have greater compassion for people
who have to endure discrimination based on who they are. While learning about historic periods
of struggle like The Holocaust and The Civil Rights Movement are valuable for the reflective
opportunities they provide us, learning about the lives and hardships of the LGBTQA community
engages students in an on-going dialogue and can inspire them to make change.” Daniel
Capote - Junior
“Wine to Water by Doug Henley was my Common reading and it opened my eyes to issues that
were happening that I would have never known about. While I’ve experienced my own struggles
being a minority student, reading Wine to Water shifted my viewpoints to a more panoramic
setting and encouraged me to be a better activist. I believe reading Mr. Blanco’s book will do
that for some other students.” Ayana W. Cure - Junior
Needless to say the reasons for reading this book are countless. In addition to having these
varying perspectives from our students, below are some tips and resources to continuing your
own education and awareness.
1) Attend a 3D series: This series is a diverse set of presentations offered throughout the
year in order to provide awareness and education on LGBTQA topics and concerns to
the FIU community. These lunch time sessions are held to bring together students,
faculty and staff to dine, discuss and deliberate together as an FIU family. They happen
on both campuses and the fall series is already scheduled.
2) Attended a Safe Zone or Train the Trainer session: The Safe Zone program is geared
towards developing awareness and training faculty and staff on campus to assist and
serve as resources and support networks for the university LGBTQA community. We
also offer a Train the Trainer course for Faculty and Staff that have already completed
the Safe Zone Course training and would like to facilitate future trainings for faculty and
staff.
Date
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Friday, October 09, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
* Train The Trainer
SAFE ZONE TRAINING 2015-2016
Time
10-12 PM
1-3 PM
10-12 PM
1-3 PM
1-3 PM
1- 3 PM
1-3 PM
10-12 PM
1-3 PM
10-12 PM
Location
MMC/ GC 216
BBC/WUC 301
MMC/ GC 216
BBC/WUC 301
MMC/ GC 216
MMC/ GC 216
BBC/WUC 301
MMC/ GC 216
BBC/WUC 301
MMC/ GC 216
3) Invite MPAS to your class for a class presentation. You can contact the MPAS office at
305-348-2436 MMC or 305-919-5817 BBC.
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4) Read our LGBTQA Times semesterly newsletter. It has a ton of information about
LGBTQA and FIU. http://lgbt.fiu.edu/Documents/Summer2015Newsletterfinal.pdf
5) Visit our website for all upcoming events an opportunities to expand your own
knowledge at lgbt.fiu.edu.
6) Encourage students to take a course in the Women’s and Gender Studies, Queer
studies certificate program.
7) View these Insightful videos featuring Mr. Blanco:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+prince+of+the+cocuyos&FORM=VIRE7#vie
w=detail&mid=BBD5E3D7F5581ABAC36BBBD5E3D7F5581ABAC36B
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+prince+of+the+cocuyos&FORM=VIRE7#vie
w=detail&mid=A8EB767A170F1A198B96A8EB767A170F1A198B96
8) Check out some of our helpful community websites:
MPAS resources http://mpas.fiu.edu/LGBTQA_SF_resources.html
The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth http://www.glbtqalliance.org
Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce http://www.gogaymiami.com
South Florida Gay News http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/
Yes Institute http://www.yesinstitute.org
Pridelines Youth Services http://www.pridelines.org
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