Anel Flores They/Them

Anel I. Flores is a trans-, queer Latina/x writer, artist, activist, entrepreneur, and coach; whose extensive body of work captures the essence of LGBTQIA+ experiences across professional and community spaces. Their areas of expertise encompass various themes such as Latina/x literature, sexuality, gender, race/border/diaspora, spirituality, self discovery, and radical love.

They hold an MFA in Creative Writing, having penned notable works like chapbook "La Fea" and Lambda literary award-nominated book, "Empanada: A Lesbiana Story en Probaditas.” Their upcoming novel, "Cortinas de Lluvia," set to be released in 2024, along with Empanada’s 2nd Ed., doubled with its Spanish translation. Anel's literary contributions can be found in esteemed publications such as Switchgrass Review, Camino Real, the Fifth Wednesday Journal, RiverSEdge, Entre Guadalupe y Malinche, Rooted: Queer Women of Color Anthology, Sinister Wisdom, Raspa Magazine, iungo Arts Magazine, the Lodestar Quarterly, The Pitkin Literary Review, and La Voz. Beyond literature, Flores's artistic prowess extends onto the stage and in museums. Her play, "Empanada," was recently produced by the acclaimed SA Public Theater, in its 20th year of production; their visual art hangs in galleries, universities, academic journals, and on the covers of several texts, and they have delivered Keynote addresses in the US, Spain and France.

Furthermore, Flores is the founder of LezRideSA, Queer Voices Speak Out, and La Otra Taller Nepantla Residency. Her relentless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including distinguished writer in residence at Our Lady of the Lake University, fellow with the Southwest Folklife Alliance, the Catalyst for Change Award, Women's Advocate of the Year, the Nebrija Creadores Award, Best of San Antonio Author, Chingona in Lit Award, Ancinas at Squaw Valley, NALAC Fund for the Arts, Accion Women Inspiring Women, Yellow Rose of Texas Award, and the Mentorship Leadership Award.