Interview by Seq, NCSF Board Member and DEI Chair
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself including any identities you hold
Empath, mother, educator, Boricua, recovering people pleaser, abolitionist, Black, neurodivergent, chronically ill, Taíno, incest and rape survivor, cultural sociologist, independent polyamorist, artist, healer, queer AF, trans, gender fluid, Kinky, retired sex worker, contemplator of existence, founder of The HEAL Project.
Q: Please share some things about your history in alt-sex and/or LGBTQIA Communities
My sexuality was screaming to be let free from my mother, men, masculinity and god. Running away from home as a teenager and coming out as a lesbian were my entryway into freedom. I read books, sought people out, asked many questions, and attended workshops. I was an unattached, teen lesbian mom and eager to experience my newfound autonomy. I was an eager student who wanted to share my learnings with my people. I began to create workshops, lectures, and writings about sexual liberation specific to queer, trans and nonbinary people of color. Twenty five years ago, I started Poly Patao Productions- a hub for my sexual liberation work. I was one of a few voices leading the conversation about the whiteness of sexual spaces. I produced short films via Dirty Brown. I created groups. I produced plays parties that centered queer and trans POC’s in Brooklyn for over 17 years. I along with other comrades produced parties such as The Play Party Named Desire (women and trans), PHUK it! (All LGBTQI), and Afternoon Delight (woman and trans early-birds). For two years I was a part of producing Purge, a queer and trans POC retreat for education, healing, pleasure and sexual liberation.
Today my work within the LGBTQI and alt-sex world has fused my healing journey with sexuality work and founded The HEAL Project. Where we seek to prevent and end child sexual abuse and sexual violence by healing the wounds of sexual oppression and embracing sexual liberation. We believe we all need to heal in order to undo/unlearn our current system’s oppressive grooming. We take a healing, abolitionist, transformative, intersectional approach to de-constructing sexual violence.
Q: Please share some of your current projects or activities related to our communities & interests if there are any you care to share:
In my current work at The HEAL Project, we have used media, workshops and trainings to aid in cultural-shift-openings. I’m very excited about our training, Just Healing. We are offering a community retreat version and professional training.
JUST HEALING is a comprehensive training on the Rivera-Azad Sexual Healing Integration Model (RASHIM) . A healing-focused program helping folks unlearn underlying assumptions about themselves and their relationships, to heal the wounds of sexual violence and relational trauma, and to create a new intersectional framework for navigating the world of sex and sexuality.
I love our media work. Our projects have been used as part of curriculum and community discussions.
Pure Love Talks – The HEAL Project
Kinky, trans-parent, survivor and their daughter talk sex and much more. 2 seasons
Connecting The Dots – The HEAL Project
Using everyday media to undo shame and secrecy
Caution:Unrestricted! – The HEAL Project
Survivor led, raw, honest and sarcastic take on sexual violence, sex, family, relationships and more. 2 seasons
Q: What do you hope to witness in the future in LGBTQIA+ communities or in alt- sex communities in general?
That one day, the de-constructing, un-colonizing and healing we engage in, cracks us open to the endless possibilities of true freedom.
Q: How do you embrace and enjoy LGBTQIA+ Pride? What does Pride mean to you?
My days of marching at pride parades are over BUT my personal pride is strong. Pride is living my authentic life even when I’m terrified. I think we should always be proud and celebrate ourselves everyday. We are a fucking gift.
Q. Do you have any memories from previous Prides that you wish to share?
I happened to have organized the 1st pride march in Lawrence, Massachusetts in the 90’s. Our little city got national attention when religious leaders organized buses to take 200 children away from the gays. The night before and the morning of, it rained torrential downpours. We organized under the heavy rain as the buses to save children were canceled one by one. Drenched, we took our first steps to pride and the skies cleared. The sun beamed. The ten god-hates-fags-hecklers were muffled by the almost 100 people who gathered in support of the 30 of us, marching for our rights. It was a powerful sight and a magnificent feeling.
Q: What do you wish people outside of LBTQIA+ communities knew?
I wish people outside of the LBTQIA+ communities knew that, we have the answers to…
Bio and Social Media:
Ignacio G Hutía Xeiti Rivera, M.A., is a cultural sociologist with expertise in sexual trauma, healing, and liberation for marginalized people. They are an internationally known gender non-conforming speaker, trainer, and consultant. Ignacio uses they/them/their is the Founder and Co-Executive Director at The HEAL Project. For bio, CV, & promotional photos go here. Heal2end on all social media. Heal2end.org