RJ Robles interviews Jay Lopez about his experience as a gay Latino and drag performer in Tennessee. Jay shares his struggles with machismo culture, his pursuit of his acting dreams, and how the women in his life supported him through his journey. RJ and Jay also discuss the impact that recent anti-trans bills in Tennessee have had on them personally and in their communities.   Jay Lopez was born and raised in México, from Guadalajara, Jalisco. He lives in the United States, and is an actor, comedian, husband, son, brother, uncle, activist and your best ally. He is pro life and always creating content on his social media. Loyal, blessed, loved. You will find him trying new restaurants, on a stage, in front of a camera or translating for someone that is in need.   Follow Jay on social media @soyjaylopez   Encuentros Latinx is part of the Gender and Sexualities Justice Ministries of the United Church of Christ and is funded by the Carpenter Foundation.   Episode credits: Producers: Taylor Ramage, Yuris Martinez Editor: StormMiguel Florez Host: RJ Robles Quality Assurance and Oversight: Rhina Ramos   Music by Oleksii Holubiev from Pixabay https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=123412"   Learn about our church toolkits on racism, LGBTQ inclusion, and transgender stories. https://www.ucc.org/what-we-do/justice-local-church-ministries/justice/health-and-wholeness-advocacy-ministries/encuentros-latinx-toolkits/    Email Rhina Ramos at ramosr @ucc.org to learn about our pastoral coaching program.