VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 14: "Wisdom Sharing and Becoming with Amaïs Alexander Perez" In this October episode, I sit down with Amaïs Alexander Perez for a genuine, grounded conversation about identity, liberation, and what happens when a movement goes mainstream. Amaïs introduces herself through the fullness of her lived experience—Afro-Indigenous, Asian, and Trans—and I ask her about the growing “Protect the Dolls / Fund the Dolls” trend: what it means, who it was meant to protect, and how quickly slogans can get reshaped by capitalism, whiteness, and respectability politics. From there, the conversation moves into the realities Black trans women and Black femmes face in public: the pressure to be “passing,” the violence of being clocked, and the double standards that show up across communities. Amaïs breaks down how it isn’t only about physical features—voice, tone, and self-advocacy can become targets too—especially when Black women defend themselves and get read through a masculinizing, dehumanizing lens. Amaïs also shares personal history across place: born and living in Puerto Rico, with formative years spent in Detroit and Memphis—and how racism felt sharper and more dangerous in the U.S. South and Midwest (especially in the early 2000s) than in Puerto Rico in the present day. The episode also delves into cultural preservation, exploring what it truly means to protect Puerto Rican culture within its full historical context—especially the African and revolutionary roots of Bomba—and why reclaiming culture is not merely an aesthetic endeavor. It’s survival. I close with a powerful reflection on identity itself: how to research your history, hold your intersecting truths, and stay anchored in who you are—even if family, community, or society tries to narrate you into something smaller. Amaïs leaves listeners with practical, affirming guidance for trans youth navigating life on their own: stay curious, stay rooted, and stay true to you. Hosted by: LA REINA TAÍNA (Reina Cemi’no) Content note: This episode includes discussion of racism, transmisogyny, anti-Blackness, and anti-trans violence. New here? • About the Host: Reina CÁMO Basquiat Cemi’no—professionally LA REINA TAÍNA—is a visionary multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur whose career spans music production, filmmaking, choreography, scholarship, nonprofit leadership, and more. As founder and CEO of LA REINA TAÍNA, LLC, I’m building a multimedia enterprise rooted in ancestral intelligence and narrative sovereignty. • Why Tune In: Each episode delivers trauma-informed, anti-racist, and decolonial insights designed to spark personal healing and collective liberation. • Why Follow My Journey: As a producer of 30+ original songs, multiple theatrical works, and brand campaigns—and the originator of the Afro-Jotería Studies framework—I combine creative innovation with measurable impact, turning art into community-driven market disruption. • Stay Connected: Limited edition “LUIGI” laptop sticker available in my shop (search: LA REINA TAÍNA LUIGI sticker). ✨ Reina’s Life Motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art” 🎨 Support & Share CashApp: $camoisnotdeadVenmo: @larealreinatainaPayPal: @ReinaTaina14 ----more---- VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 14: “Compartiendo Sabiduría y Devenir con Amaïs Alexander Perez” En este episodio de octubre, me siento con Amaïs Alexander Perez para una conversación genuina y con los pies en la tierra sobre identidad, liberación y lo que sucede cuando un movimiento se vuelve “mainstream”. Amaïs se presenta desde la totalidad de su experiencia vivida—Afro-Indígena, Asiática y Trans—y le pregunto sobre la creciente tendencia “Protect the Dolls / Fund the Dolls”: qué significa, a quién se suponía que debía proteger, y con qué rapidez los eslóganes pueden ser moldeados por el capitalismo, la blanquitud y la política de respetabilidad. A partir de ahí, la conversación se adentra en las realidades que enfren

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 13: “Kika.” In this new chapter of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, I step into September 2025—a month of firsts, transitions, and embodied healing. Episode 13: “Kika” chronicles my first full month as a film student in Kiskeya, balancing academic discipline with spiritual grounding while navigating the chaos of migration and rebuilding. Throughout the month, I moved through four temporary living spaces before securing my own home. Even in moments of uncertainty, movement became my medicine. I began pole-dancing classes—four in total—that reconnected me with my body’s power, sensuality, and rhythm. For the first time in years, I felt myself return fully to the body that had carried me through so much. When I wasn’t dancing, I was creating. I found inspiration in the Netflix show Beauty in Black, in the unapologetic energy of Grace Jones, and in the visionary designs of Jean Paul Gaultier. These influences reminded me that art, fashion, and identity are intertwined—that performance is not an act, but a way of reclaiming presence. This episode also documents quieter milestones: completing two therapy sessions with a spiritually-inclined therapist who helped me define peace as permission, obtaining my Dominican phone number, and re-imagining my future business ventures through the lens of “embodied performance.” Through Kika, I reflect on what it means to be grounded in a body that has experienced displacement yet still insists on movement. It’s about learning that every delay is divine, that every unanswered prayer might be a re-direction, and that home is both a place and a practice. ✨ “Kika” is dedicated to my September self—the one who kept dancing, kept creating, and kept believing that what’s meant for her will always find its way back. New here?• About the Host: Reina CÁMO Basquiat Cemi’no—professionally LA REINA TAÍNA—is a visionary multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur whose long career spans music production, filmmaking, choreography, scholarship, nonprofit leadership, and more. As founder and CEO of LA REINA TAÍNA, LLC, she’s built a multimedia enterprise from the ground up, architecting a new creative economy rooted in ancestral intelligence and narrative sovereignty. Why Tune In: Each episode delivers trauma-informed, anti-racist, and decolonial insights designed to spark personal healing and collective liberation. Why Follow My Journey: As a producer of over 30 original songs, multiple theatrical works, and brand campaigns, plus originator of the Afro-Jotería Studies framework, I combine creative innovation with measurable impact, turning art into community-driven market disruption. Stay Connected: Snag the limited edition “LUIGI” laptop sticker at www.lareinataina.com/store and explore all offerings at www.lareinataina.com. ✨ Reina’s Life Motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art” 🎨 Support & Share: CashApp: $camoisnotdeadVenmo: @larealreinatainaPayPal: @ReinaTaina14 #VHIPodcast #AfroJotería #555 #Oshun #CreativeHealing #Spanglish #TransVoices ----more---- Descripción para Podbean (Español) Título del Episodio: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 13: “Kika.” En este nuevo capítulo de VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, entro al mes de septiembre de 2025—un mes de comienzos, transiciones y sanación encarnada. Episodio 13: “Kika” narra mi primer mes completo como estudiante de cine en Kiskeya, equilibrando la disciplina académica con el arraigo espiritual mientras navego el caos de la migración y la reconstrucción personal. Durante el mes, pasé por cuatro espacios temporales antes de asegurar mi propio hogar. Incluso en la incertidumbre, el movimiento se convirtió en mi medicina. Comencé clases de pole dance—cuatro en total—que me reconectaron con el poder, la sensualidad y el ritmo de mi cuerpo. Por primera vez en años, sentí que regresaba plenamente al cuerpo que me ha sostenido durante tanto tiempo. Cuando no estaba bailando, estaba creando. Encontré inspiración en l

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 12: “Boy, Why You So Speechless?” In this deeply reflective Episode 12 of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, I return to my August 2025 archives—thirty-seven handwritten journal pages, photos, and songs that document a season of rebuilding, release, and radical self-parenting. After the stillness of July, August erupted into motion: I entered film school, relocated across multiple homes, and restructured my creative and personal foundations from scratch. The Lion’s Gate Portal (8/8) became a spiritual mirror—a reminder that loyalty begins within. I wrote: “You need to learn to let go of the things that bring you pain. Let go of it. It’s not yours to carry anymore. You did a great job.” From there, music became my medicine. Cleo Sol’s “Know That You Are Loved” played just as I finished that journal entry, affirming that my healing was aligned with something larger than myself. This episode also revisits my relationship with breath, voice, and ancestry. I reflect on my mother’s presence in my dreams—how she once told me that singing is breathing, and breathing is living. It’s through these inherited lessons that I continue to heal the silence I was born into. Recorded in Kiskeya on October 12, 2025, exactly 532 years after the Taíno genocide, this episode transforms remembrance into reclamation. It’s both a love letter to my ancestors and an altar for every voice still learning how to breathe. ✨“Boy, Why You So Speechless?” invites listeners to confront what keeps them quiet, to release what they’ve been carrying, and to remember that their voice—no matter how trembling—is sacred.   New here?• About the Host: Reina CÁMO Basquiat Cemi’no—professionally LA REINA TAÍNA—is a visionary multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur whose long career spans music production, filmmaking, choreography, scholarship, nonprofit leadership, and more. As founder and CEO of LA REINA TAÍNA, LLC, she’s built a multimedia enterprise from the ground up, architecting a new creative economy rooted in ancestral intelligence and narrative sovereignty. Why Tune In: Each episode delivers trauma-informed, anti-racist, and decolonial insights designed to spark personal healing and collective liberation. Why Follow My Journey: As a producer of over 30 original songs, multiple theatrical works, and brand campaigns, plus originator of the Afro-Jotería Studies framework, I combine creative innovation with measurable impact, turning art into community-driven market disruption. Stay Connected: Snag the limited edition “LUIGI” laptop sticker at www.lareinataina.com/store and explore all offerings at www.lareinataina.com. ✨ Reina’s Life Motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art” 🎨   Support & Share: CashApp: $camoisnotdeadVenmo: @larealreinatainaPayPal: @ReinaTaina14 #VHIPodcast #AfroJotería #555 #Oshun #CreativeHealing #Spanglish #TransVoices ----more---- Descripción para Podbean (Español) Título del Episodio: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 12: “Niño, ¿Por Qué Estás Tan Sin Palabras?” En este episodio profundamente reflexivo del Episodio 12 de VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, regreso a mis archivos de agosto de 2025—treinta y siete páginas escritas a mano, fotos y canciones que documentan una temporada de reconstrucción, liberación y auto-cuidado radical. Después del silencio de julio, agosto se convirtió en movimiento: comencé la escuela de cine, me mudé varias veces y reconstruí desde cero mis cimientos creativos y personales. El Portal del León (8/8) fue un espejo espiritual, un recordatorio de que la lealtad empieza por una misma. En ese momento escribí: “Necesitas aprender a soltar las cosas que te causan dolor. Suéltalas. Ya no te pertenecen. ¡Hiciste un gran trabajo!” A partir de ahí, la música se volvió mi medicina. La canción “Know That You Are Loved” de Cleo Sol comenzó a sonar justo cuando terminé esa entrada en mi diario, confirmando que mi proceso de sanación estaba alineado con algo más grande que yo.

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 11: “555: You Are Destined for Greatness!” After three months of silence, I return with Episode 11 of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS: “555: You Are Destined for Greatness.” This episode was born out of ceremony—of stillness, faith, and transformation. Recorded in Kiskeya, it marks both a spiritual and artistic rebirth. Where Episode 10 closed a cycle of grief and loss, Episode 11 opens a doorway toward renewal, healing, and the sacred act of becoming. I trace how the number 555—Oshun’s number of change—appeared to me during a morning offering labeled “FAITH.” From that encounter, this episode unfolds as a conversation between ritual, numerology, and resilience. Inside the episode, I revisit my July archives—journals, photos, and memories—to complete three affirmations that reshaped my understanding of self: 1️⃣ “I was not made to belong to broken systems… because I was never broken.”2️⃣ “I’m not here to fix what was built to erase… I’m here to grow like trees and flow like oceans.”3️⃣ “I am the healer, the exile, the prophet, and the home… I do it on my own.” Through these words, I explore what it means to rebuild voice and vision after silence—how faith and change can coexist, and how creative spirituality becomes a tool of decolonial survival. Living now in Kiskeya, I speak in Spanglish, where English holds my analysis and Spanish carries my prayer. ✨ This episode is an offering to those navigating transformation in unseen ways—a reminder that your rebirth, too, is sacred.   New here?• About the Host: Reina CÁMO Basquiat Cemi’no—professionally LA REINA TAÍNA—is a visionary multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur whose long career spans music production, filmmaking, choreography, scholarship, nonprofit leadership, and more. As founder and CEO of LA REINA TAÍNA, LLC, she’s built a multimedia enterprise from the ground up, architecting a new creative economy rooted in ancestral intelligence and narrative sovereignty. Why Tune In: Each episode delivers trauma-informed, anti-racist, and decolonial insights designed to spark personal healing and collective liberation. Why Follow My Journey: As a producer of over 30 original songs, multiple theatrical works, and brand campaigns, plus originator of the Afro-Jotería Studies framework, I combine creative innovation with measurable impact, turning art into community-driven market disruption. Stay Connected: Snag the limited edition “LUIGI” laptop sticker at www.lareinataina.com/store and explore all offerings at www.lareinataina.com. ✨ Reina’s Life Motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art” 🎨   Support & Share: CashApp: $camoisnotdeadVenmo: @larealreinatainaPayPal: @ReinaTaina14 #VHIPodcast #AfroJotería #555 #Oshun #CreativeHealing #Spanglish #TransVoices ----more---- Descripción para Podbean (Español) Título del Episodio: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 11: “555: Estás Destinad@ a la Grandeza” Después de tres meses de silencio, regreso con el Episodio 11 de VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS: “555: Estás Destinad@ a la Grandeza!” Este episodio nació desde la ceremonia—desde la quietud, la fe y la transformación. Grabado en Kiskeya, marca tanto un renacimiento espiritual como artístico. Donde el Episodio 10 cerró un ciclo de duelo y pérdida, el Episodio 11 abre una puerta hacia la renovación, la sanación y el sagrado acto de renacer. Comparto cómo el número 555—el número de Oshun, símbolo del cambio—apareció en una ofrenda matutina marcada con la palabra “FE.” A partir de ese encuentro, este episodio se desarrolla como una conversación entre ritual, numerología y resiliencia. Dentro del episodio, revisito mis archivos de julio—diarios, fotos y recuerdos—para completar tres afirmaciones que transformaron mi manera de entenderme: 1️⃣ “No fui cread@ para pertenecer a sistemas rotos… porque yo nunca estuve rot@.”2️⃣ “No estoy aquí para reparar lo que fue construido para borrar… estoy aquí para crecer como los árboles y fluir como los océan

Episode Title: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 10: “Pride 2025 Reflections: Offering a Ritual of Remembrance and Reclamation” In this unflinching Episode 10 of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, I ground my Chiron in Sagittarius in the 11th-House reading in the brutal reality of this Pride Month—eviction, unemployment, and the relentless fight to survive. This is not an academic chat; it’s a moment of pause, a ritual to honor the inner child I have carried through every crisis. I return to my core “why”: I make art and host this podcast to heal that wounded child, and today I hold space for them in real time, using my voice and the void of this episode as a sanctuary. I pivot the conversation on three radical, heart-piercing questions drawn straight from my own journey: Can you finally stop proving that you’re worthy of being loved? Can you release the fantasy that those who hurt you will come back differently? Can you choose your own truth, even if no one claps for it? As I reflect on losing my mother to violence at the age of two, then facing homelessness and job loss in late May and June 2025, I also name the fresh waves of violence targeting Trans people of color here and around the world. Together, these ruptures become the altar on which we place our grief—and from which we reclaim our power. You’ll be invited into each question with raw honesty, real-time examples from my own healing process, and concrete rituals to transform survival mode into sacred ceremony, isolation into chosen family, and trauma into declaration. Tune in on Podbean—and if this work holds you, please share, subscribe, and help keep a roof over my head. Your listen, your share, and your gift keep VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS and me alive. New here?• About the Host: Reina CÁMO Basquiat Cemi’no—professionally LA REINA TAÍNA—is a visionary multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur whose long career spans music production, filmmaking, choreography, scholarship, nonprofit leadership, and more. As founder and CEO of LA REINA TAÍNA, LLC, she’s built a multimedia enterprise from the ground up, architecting a new creative economy rooted in ancestral intelligence and narrative sovereignty. Why Tune In: Each episode delivers trauma-informed, anti-racist, and decolonial insights designed to spark personal healing and collective liberation. Why Follow My Journey: As a producer of over 30 original songs, multiple theatrical works, and brand campaigns, plus originator of the Afro-Jotería Studies framework, I combine creative innovation with measurable impact, turning art into community-driven market disruption. Stay Connected: Snag the limited edition “LUIGI” laptop sticker at www.lareinataina.com/store and explore all offerings at www.lareinataina.com. ✨ Reina’s Life Motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art” 🎨 Support & Share:If this work resonates, please consider supporting and sharing my GoFundMe—your donations cover rent, medical care, and living expenses during my creative pivot. Your solidarity powers this community. 🙏🏽 CashApp: $camoisnotdeadVenmo: @larealreinatainaPayPal: @ReinaTaina14 #VHIPodcast #ChironHealing #Pride2025 #TransPOC #CollectiveReflection #AfroJotería ----more---- Descripción para Podbean (Español) Título del Episodio: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 10: “Reflexiones Pride 2025: Ofreciendo un Ritual de Recuerdo y Reclamación” En este despiadado Episodio 10 de VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, anclo mi lectura de Quirón en Sagitario en la Casa 11 en la brutal realidad del Mes del Orgullo 2025—desalojo, desempleo y la lucha incansable por sobrevivir. Esto no es una charla académica; es un momento de pausa, un ritual para honrar al niño interior que llevo conmigo en cada crisis. Vuelvo a mi “por qué”: creo arte y dirijo este podcast para sanar a ese niño herido—y hoy uso mi voz y el espacio de este episodio como santuario. Este episodio pivota sobre tres preguntas radicales y desgarradoras, extraídas directamente de mi propio vi

Episode Title: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 9: “Re-Imagining and Challenging The ‘Self’ Via Music w/ LA REINA TAÍNA” In Episode 9 of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, LA REINA TAÍNA (she/they) guides you through a transformative soundscape rooted in her life motto—“to re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art.” This deep dive explores five potent tracks that serve as portals to ancestral wisdom, political critique, self-empowerment, embodied resistance, and communal solidarity. What to expect: EL CUCO! – We unpack how ancestral myth and the specter of fear can become catalysts for radical protection. First, you’ll hear how calling forth “El Cuco” reclaims ancestral guardianship; then, we trace the track’s roots in Taíno oral traditions and personal memory work. By the end, you’ll understand how fear itself can be remixed into an act of survival and resilience. PAYASO – Discover political satire as an audacious strategy of survival in Latin pop culture. We explore the song’s razor-sharp critiques of power and how humor becomes a radical tool for exposing and dismantling oppressive structures. You’ll learn why laughter, in this context, is more than entertainment—it’s an act of defiance. SOLAMENTE LO MEJOR – An ode to radical self-love, this track stands as a sovereign rebuke to white supremacist conditioning. We engage with Trans anger, revealing how strong emotions and standing your ground become revolutionary soundscapes. Plus, you’ll hear personal anecdotes about using self-care rituals as daily resistance. E.I.P. Part II – Journey into the terrain of biopolitics through the disciplined body. We map how systems of control regulate our physical selves and examine the creative practices that reclaim bodily autonomy. By tracking the track’s choreographic melody, you’ll see how movement itself can rewrite the rules of power. LUIGI. – Immerse yourself in an 8-minute lyrical battleground of sacred rage, ancestral grief, and revolutionary defiance. We contextualize its Taíno-inspired cadences, illustrate how grief is transmuted into collective energy, and reflect on why this piece functions as both a protest song and a communal love letter. New here?• About the Host: Reina CÁMO Basquiat Cemi’no—professionally LA REINA TAÍNA—is a visionary multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur whose long career spans music production, filmmaking, choreography, scholarship, and nonprofit leadership. As founder and CEO of LA REINA TAÍNA, LLC, she’s built a multimedia enterprise from the ground up, architecting a new creative economy rooted in ancestral intelligence and narrative sovereignty. Why Tune In: Each episode delivers trauma-informed, anti-racist, and decolonial insights designed to spark personal healing and collective liberation. Why Follow My Journey: As a producer of over 30 original songs, multiple theatrical works, and brand campaigns, plus originator of the Afro-Jotería Studies framework, I combine creative innovation with measurable impact, turning art into community-driven market disruption. Stay Connected: Snag the limited “LUIGI” laptop sticker at www.lareinataina.com/store and explore all offerings at www.lareinataina.com.   ✨ Reina’s Life Motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art” 🎨   Support & Share:If this work resonates, please consider supporting and sharing my GoFundMe—your donations cover rent, medical care, and living expenses during my creative pivot. Your solidarity powers this community. 🙏🏽   CashApp: $camoisnotdeadVenmo: @larealreinatainaPayPal: @ReinaTaina14   #VHIPodcast #AfroJotería #Latinidad #TraumaInformed #BlackTransArt #PrideMonth #LAReinaTaina   Descripción (Español) Título del Episodio: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 9: “Re-Imaginar y Desafiar el ‘Yo’ a través de la Música con LA REINA TAÍNA” En el Episodio 9 de VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, LA REINA TAÍNA (she/they) te conduce por un paisaje sonoro transformador, anclado en su lema de vida—“to re-imagine and challenge the ‘sel

Episode Title: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 8: “Re-Imagining and Challenging the ‘Self’ via Poetry w/ LA REINA TAÍNA”   Episode Description: In Episode 8 of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, host LA REINA TAÍNA embarks on an intimate poetic journey, exploring the complexities of identity, trauma, resistance, and healing through her deeply personal poetry. Rooted in her guiding motto—"to re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art"—this episode dives into the emotional and transformative power poetry has held in her life. Through vivid recitations and reflective insights, Reina shares eleven original poems, each illuminating significant moments of her journey. Poems such as "Pondus" delve into the heavy burdens of trauma and ancestral grief, while "¿LA REINA TAÍNA?" fiercely reclaims Afro-Indigenous identity and strength against historical erasure. Emotional rawness permeates poems like "Separation Anxiety" and "A Tribute To Mi Madre, Orquídea," capturing the cycles of loss and mourning that have deeply shaped Reina’s experience. Central themes of the episode include: 🌱 Reclaiming Identity: Embracing Afro-Indigenous heritage and trans/non-binary identity amidst societal pressures and historical marginalization. 💔 Trauma, Healing, and Resilience: Navigating emotional wounds from familial betrayal, toxic relationships, and systemic oppression, while finding strength and empowerment. 🔥 Resistance Against Oppression: Challenging colonial, capitalist, and patriarchal narratives, asserting her voice through poetic defiance and revolutionary consciousness. 🌌 Intersectionality and Cultural Hybridity: Bridging languages, cultures, and identities to honor complexity and authenticity beyond restrictive binaries. Episode 8 is a powerful testament to the healing and revolutionary potential of art, inviting listeners not just to witness Reina’s journey, but also to reflect on their own paths toward self-discovery, resistance, and liberation. 🎧 Listen and explore how poetry can reshape our stories, identities, and communities. Tune in now!     ✨ Reina’s Motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art” 🎨   Support Reina & Her Podcast: Cashapp: $camoisnotdead Venmo: ctsmooth Paypal: CÁMOCemi’no ----more----   Español: Título del Episodio: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 8: “Re-Imaginando y Desafiando el ‘Yo’ a Través de la Poesía con LA REINA TAÍNA”   Descripción del Episodio: En este episodio 8 de VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, tu anfitriona LA REINA TAÍNA te lleva en un viaje íntimo y poderoso por su poesía, explorando las profundidades de la identidad, el trauma, la resistencia y la sanación. Partiendo de su lema personal—"re-imaginar y desafiar el ‘yo’ a través del arte"—Reina comparte cómo la poesía ha sido una fuerza transformadora en su vida. A través de recitaciones llenas de emoción y reflexiones sinceras, Reina presenta once poemas originales, cada uno capturando momentos claves de su trayectoria personal. Poemas como "Pondus" exploran la carga pesada del trauma ancestral y la pérdida, mientras que "¿LA REINA TAÍNA?" celebra con orgullo la identidad Afro-Indígena frente al borrado histórico. La vulnerabilidad emocional fluye en poemas como "Separation Anxiety" y "A Tribute To Mi Madre, Orquídea", mostrando las heridas abiertas y el duelo recurrente que marcaron profundamente su camino. Entre los temas clave del episodio están: 🌱 Reclamando la Identidad: Abrazando con orgullo la herencia Afro-Indígena y su identidad trans/no-binaria, rompiendo con las presiones sociales y la marginalización histórica. 💔 Trauma, Sanación y Resiliencia: Afrontando heridas emocionales de traiciones familiares, relaciones tóxicas y opresiones sistémicas, mientras encuentra su poder interior. 🔥 Resistencia Contra la Opresión: Retando directamente narrativas coloniales, capitalistas y patriarcales, usando la poesía como acto de desafío y conciencia revolucionaria. 🌌 Interseccionalidad e Hibridación Cultural: Combinando lenguajes, culturas e

Episode Title: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 7: “Reina’s Unpopular Opinions About The Creative Economy: Listen Up!”   Episode Description: In this raw and unfiltered episode of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, host LA REINA TAÍNA challenges the very structure of the Creative Economy. With a unique blend of decolonial, post-structuralist, and transfemme perspectives, Reina digs deep into how American Capitalism has suffocated the authenticity of creativity, creating an industry that serves profit and power rather than expression and liberation. Reina argues that the Creative Economy has plateaued, with mainstream media recycling the same tired stories. From the glut of formulaic films to music that rehashes old tropes, the system has drained originality from creative spaces. But this stagnation is no accident—it’s the result of systems of oppression, including patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism, that prioritize profits over creativity. The current state of the industry reflects a deep commodification of art, where creativity is reduced to a product for consumption rather than a powerful tool for resistance and transformation. American Capitalism, Reina explains, has warped the meaning of “success” in creativity. Success isn’t about creating meaningful art or challenging the status quo—it’s about meeting market demands and feeding into the capitalist framework. Reina critiques how this system devalues the true creators—especially those on the margins—while allowing powerful corporations and a few elites to profit off of creativity. The episode highlights how this capitalist approach strips art of its power to challenge societal norms and enforce change. Reina uses a post-structuralist lens to show how this narrative is constructed and enforced, urging listeners to question whose voices are allowed to shape the Creative Economy and why. But there’s hope for change. Reina calls for a complete reimagining of the Creative Economy—one that returns power to the marginalized and the voiceless. It’s time for those who truly drive creativity—those from the Global South, Black and Indigenous communities, trans and gender-nonconforming people, and artists on the fringes of society—to reclaim ownership of the creative space. Reina makes a powerful argument that the industry needs to be run by those who have historically been silenced by the dominant powers, and that true creativity can only flourish when it’s in the hands of those who have never been allowed to fit into the narrow, capitalistic boxes of mainstream success. This episode isn’t just for artists or creatives—it’s a rallying cry for everyone. Reina urges listeners to break free from the confines of a capitalist-driven Creative Economy, one that profits off of exploitation and the normalization of systemic oppression. Creativity isn’t just about making things for the sake of making things—it’s about challenging the status quo and reshaping the narratives that dictate who gets to create and who gets left behind. Through this conversation, Reina invites listeners to consider what a world might look like where art, media, and creativity serve liberation rather than corporate interests. By the end of this episode, listeners will be inspired to embrace their own creativity, challenge capitalist structures, and reimagine what it means to truly succeed as an artist. Tune in to VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS and hear how we can reclaim the Creative Economy from the hands of those who have turned it into a machine for oppression, and begin a collective movement toward a more liberated, decolonized, and inclusive future. ----more---- Español:   Título del Episodio: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 7: "Las Opiniones Impopulares de Reina sobre la Economía Creativa: ¡Escucha!"   Descripción del Episodio: En este episodio crudo y sin filtros de VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, la anfitriona LA REINA TAÍNA desafía la misma estructura de la economía creativa. Con una mezcla única de perspectivas dec

Episode Title: VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episodio 6: "Reimaginando La Identidad Dominicana: Un Mensaje Para Mi Pueblo Dominicano"   Episode Description: In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, host LA REINA TAÍNA dedicates the conversation to reimagining the Dominican identity, a journey that stretches across history and deeply resonates in the hearts of the Dominican people today. Released in honor of Dominican Independence Day, this episode is a call to action for Dominicans both in the homeland and the diaspora to reconnect with their roots, reflect on their identities, and embrace the fluidity of what it means to be Dominican in the present day. Through a deep dive into the complex evolution of Dominicanidad, LA REINA TAÍNA confronts the historical erasure of African and Haitian influences within Dominican culture, analyzing how colonial and racial structures have shaped a national identity that often excludes the very essence of what makes the Dominican people unique. Grounded in Afro-Jotx studies, post-structuralism, and critical race theory, this episode dismantles the rigid identity categories that have been imposed on Dominicans for centuries. LA REINA TAÍNA explores how the Dominican identity has shifted from its colonial roots to its present-day form, emphasizing the importance of decolonizing our understanding of what it means to be Dominican. Throughout the episode, listeners are invited into a discussion about how we can rebuild the Dominican identity by acknowledging our full heritage—African, Indigenous, and European—and how this reclaiming process is a form of resistance and healing. Drawing on the works of Frantz Fanon, Toni Morrison, and other thinkers, LA REINA TAÍNA invites the listener to explore the psychological and cultural transformations needed to move away from identity foreclosure and towards a more inclusive, empowered sense of self. With insights from her personal experiences and research in Afro-Jotx studies, LA REINA TAÍNA underscores that identity is not a fixed concept but rather a dynamic, evolving process. Dominicans must take the necessary steps to break away from colonial legacies and embrace all aspects of their history, including those that have been pushed aside or forgotten. This episode emphasizes the importance of creating space for self-reflection and community dialogue to guide the reimagining of a Dominican identity that embraces our full, rich heritage. Whether you’re in the Dominican Republic, the U.S., or anywhere else in the world, this episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the historical, psychological, and cultural roots of Dominican identity, and how we can transform it for future generations. VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Episode 6 is a powerful reminder that we are all part of a collective journey, one that seeks to reconnect with our ancestral roots, reclaim our cultural pride, and ultimately, heal from the wounds of the past. This episode offers practical insights on how art, music, and community-building can become vital tools in reclaiming the Dominican identity. Through understanding post-structuralism and embracing the complexity of our diverse heritage, Dominicans can begin to break free from colonial frameworks and embrace an identity that is true to who we are today. As LA REINA TAÍNA invites listeners to reflect on their personal and collective identities, this episode challenges the status quo and calls for a future where Dominican identity is defined by those who live it—not by those who seek to limit it. As we move forward in this journey of reimagining and reclaiming, I leave you with my life motto: “To re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art.” This is the path we must take—constantly evolving, constantly reimagining who we are, and doing so with authenticity and purpose. May this episode inspire you to challenge and redefine your own identity, just as we are doing as Dominicans, as a family,

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 5: “From Trauma to Triumph: A Personal Story of Liberation" In "From Trauma to Triumph: A Personal Story of Liberation," I’m sharing a deeply personal journey of survival, healing, and accountability. This episode dives into my lived experiences of trauma within a systemically violent household, which became the breeding ground for exploring decolonial theory and post-structuralism. These frameworks gave me the tools to dissect how we are all, at some point or another, coerced into compliance by forces beyond our control. I’m breaking it all down, from microaggressions to emotional manipulation, as I connect these experiences to my Afro-Jotx expertise. I want you to walk away understanding that unconditional love—true, raw, and untainted—is the only thing that can truly set us free. If you’re a survivor, know you are not alone, and don’t let anyone gaslight you into thinking you are. One of the hardest pills to swallow is how often the culprits of my trauma were white men, embodying a textbook case of transmysogynoir. What does that mean? Simply put, it’s the intersection of misogyny, anti-Blackness, and transphobia. It’s when a white man’s casual cruelty is shielded by a combination of privilege and ignorance—like my former roommate, who consistently misgendered me and reduced my existence to a punchline. He was the embodiment of transmysogynoir, as his actions reflected the ugly, systemic hatred rooted in colonial violence that continues to marginalize Black trans women today. Let’s be clear: I’m not here to demonize anyone—but I am here to hold white men accountable for their actions. We’re done with excuses. White supremacy thrives on complacency and silence, and in this episode, I’m calling it out, loud and clear. At the core of it all is this: accountability is a pro-human act, and it’s long overdue. For too long, we’ve let these systems of violence dictate who gets to be human and who doesn’t. Well, no more. I’m unapologetically taking a stand against it all, from my traumatic past to the systemic forces that tried to break me. This episode isn’t about staying silent; it’s about speaking truth to power and demanding better—because we all deserve it. Let’s break these cycles and reclaim our freedom, one painful, honest conversation at a time. Asé. Trigger Warning: Topics such as suicide, violence, and systemic oppression are discussed. For support, please visit www.lareinataina.com/sos.  

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 4: “Breaking Cycles: Understanding the Impact of Emotionally Immature Parents on Adult Development w/ Ajay Ravi Kamal”   In Episode #4 of the VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast, host LA REINA TAÍNA sits down with Ajay Ravi Kamal, an ENBY/TransMasculine mental health advocate, to dive into the concept of "Emotionally Immature Parents" (EIP). Based on the work of Kai Tai Kevin Qiu in his book Emotionally Immature Parents: A Recovery Workbook for Adult Children, Ajay unpacks how emotional neglect, role reversal, and a lack of empathy in childhood can deeply shape adult emotional development. Throughout this episode, Ajay explores how these early dynamics can create cycles of emotional harm that persist into adulthood. By drawing from frameworks like Critical Race Theory, Biopolitics, and Post-Structuralism, Ajay and LA REINA TAÍNA critically analyze how these emotional patterns intersect with larger societal systems, particularly for Queer and Trans Afro-Latinx and Afro-Caribbean communities. Together, they offer practical insights into the path of healing, self-awareness, and boundary-setting needed to reclaim emotional well-being. This episode is essential for those interested in understanding the psychological, emotional, and societal effects of emotionally immature parenting, while also providing tools for personal empowerment and growth. Trigger Warning: Topics such as suicide, violence, and systemic oppression are discussed. For support, please visit www.lareinataina.com/sos.

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 3: "Navigating the Margins: Agatha Brooks' Journey as a Black Trans Woman in the Caribbean"   In this compelling third episode of VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS, host LA REINA TAÍNA sits down with Agatha Jamine Brooks, a Black Trans woman, poet, and activist, for an intimate discussion on the intersectional challenges she faces in her daily life. As an undocumented immigrant in the Dominican Republic, Agatha's experiences illuminate the complexities of race, gender, and survival within the harsh socio-political landscapes of the Caribbean. This episode dives deep into her narrative, focusing on her time as a former sex worker and the layered dynamics of navigating societal rejection and marginalization while affirming her identity as a Black Trans woman.   The conversation also touches on themes central to Afro-Jotería Studies, a field founded by LA REINA TAÍNA to center the lived experiences of Queer and Trans Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Indigenous people. Through the lens of Afro-Jotería (an academic study combining Afro-Indigenous and decolonial frameworks), we explore how colonial history, the globalizing forces of blanqueamiento (whitening), and anti-Blackness continue to shape gendered and racial identities in the Caribbean.   Afro-Jotería Studies critiques the Western binary systems that fail to account for the complexities of gender and race in the Caribbean, challenging traditional norms of beauty, identity, and power. Agatha’s narrative adds depth to these discussions by offering insights into how blanqueamiento—the whitening processes promoted in the Dominican Republic—affects Black Trans women’s livelihoods, from being commodified in the sex industry to being disrespected and fetishized within both mainstream and underground spaces. These intersecting oppressions are compounded by Agatha's unique experiences with non-monogamy, survival, and personal liberation, where her artistic voice emerges as a form of resistance against the strict, often violent, expectations imposed on marginalized bodies.   This episode also reinforces the call for decolonial thought and action through the practices of Afro-Jotería, advocating for reclaiming narratives and resisting colonial binaries that reduce identity to something monolithic. Agatha’s words empower listeners to question the limits of gender norms and social expectations, urging us to redefine beauty, existence, and resistance through an Afro-Jotería framework.   ✨ Agatha’s motto: "Live and let live. Use your past as fuel to propel forward."

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 2: "La Modernidad de Latinoamerica: Los Tres Blanquis"   In this episode, join LA REINA TAÍNA as she explores the concepts of blanquitud, blanquedad, and blanqueamiento, collectively referred to as "Los Tres Blanquis," a term she coined to describe how white supremacy influences the history and present of Latin America and the Caribbean. The discussion begins by connecting these terms to modern Latin American identity, focusing on how blanquitud shapes beauty standards and media representation. At the same time, blanquedad normalizes whiteness as a societal norm, marginalizing Afro-descendant voices. The episode highlights contemporary examples of blanqueamiento, illustrating the socio-political dynamics that reinforce systemic inequalities. LA REINA TAÍNA also delves into biopolitics, examining how governance intersects with racial identity and discusses the historical origins of the Latinx identity via the Latin Baroque Period as researched by Bolívar Echeverría. The Négritude Movement is explored as a pivotal force in fostering Black consciousness and solidarity. Concluding with key insights and recommended resources, this episode advocates for reclaiming narratives and engaging in storytelling as essential tools for cultural empowerment.

VAMOS HABLAR INGLÉS Podcast Episode 1: "An Introduction to Afro-Jotería Studies" Join LA REINA TAÍNA as they dive deep into the origins of Afro-Jotería Studies, an academic field celebrating the lived experiences of Queer and Trans Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Indigenous people. This episode explores their personal journey, the impact of colonialism and racial policies like "blanqueamiento," and the importance of decolonial thought through the lenses of Pan-Africanism, Indigenous spirituality, and rhythmic resistance. Tune in for a dynamic mix of history, personal storytelling, and cultural critique, all grounded in the revolutionary spirit of Afro-Jotx consciousness.