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Document Type
Interview
Publication Date
4-14-2025
Keywords
Santa Clara County, Monarcas, Folklorico Dance, Hub, Transgender, Resistence, Performance
Abstract
The interview with Kimberly Ramirez, a trangender woman and director of Monarcas, highlights Ramirez journey to reclaiming her passion for folklorico dance. Ramirez experienced a cultural clash, not from her heritage, but from the exclusion within traditional folkloric comapnies that were unprepared to integrate transgender performers. In response, Ramirez helped found and establised Monarcas, a Folklorico dance group primary formed by Transgender and gender-non-conforming people. Ramirez describes Monarcas not merely as a dance troupe, but as a holistic hub that addresses the systemic barriers that transgender people face. Despite lacking official dedicated rehearsal spaces, Monarcas has achieved significant regional visibility, performing at the Mexican Heritage Plaza and participating in the historic flag-raising at Santa Clara County's City Hall.
Recommended Citation
Kimberly Ramirez-Gallardo and Johnny Santaella. "Mosaic Atlas: Interview with Kimberly Ramirez" Mosaic Atlas Interviews (2025).
Transcript
Network
LGBTQ+ Advocate
Address
San Jose, Santa Clara County
Neighborhood
Santa Clara County
