Roberto Tijerina (he/him/el) is a queer Latino first-generation child of immigrants, keeper of the heart-space, and closet diva. Since becoming politicized in early adolescence around language as a tool of power and his emerging queerness, Roberto has organized in Chicago and the US South around language justice, immigrant rights, and queer liberation. His experience includes working for Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Highlander Center, Audre Lorde Project, and on SONG staff. He has worked for many years as a freelance interpreter and interpreter trainer. Throughout his organizing work, he has maintained close ties to the immigrant community in which he was raised. He holds a special place in his heart for queer folks who have been cast out of their families in the name of a Christian god.