Director’s Corner

There’s so much to hold right now—in our micro and macro worlds—politically, socially, and personally. As an organization rooted in the experience of diaspora, we’re feeling the tension, the weight, the energy in the air. It’s real. And it’s something we want to acknowledge and make space for.

What do we do in times like this? I’m not always sure. But I find myself looking to the traditions and histories of our communities—because these moments of crisis are not new to us. Across generations, we’ve found ways to move through fear, loss, and uncertainty. And we’ve done so by returning to our center, rediscovering our values, and reconnecting to the energies that fuel us.

Personally, I found myself overwhelmed this month. But true to my nature, I sought out the stories of our communities—stories of diaspora, resistance, joy, and survival. In honor of both Pride and AANHPI Heritage Month, I immersed myself in films, documentaries, and narratives that hold the spirit of who we are, especially in times of challenge. These stories reminded me that heroes—real and imagined—often emerge not from perfection, but from purpose and connection.

One film that moved me deeply was I’m Your Venus, a documentary follow-up to the groundbreaking Paris is Burning. The film honors the life of Venus Xtravaganza and follows her chosen family from the House of Xtravaganza as they reconnect with her biological family to seek justice and celebrate her memory. What made it especially resonant for me was that Venus’s story is rooted in my own hometown of Jersey City. It’s a film about grief, community, legacy—and the power of both chosen and biological families coming together in remembrance.

There are so many stories like this—stories of revolution, mental health, recovery, and joy. As summer settles in, whether you’re staying cool indoors or spending time by the water, I invite you to seek out these stories. Let them nourish you. Let them remind you of the magic and power in our communities. And may they guide you back to your center—where resilience lives, where values are clarified, and where committed action becomes possible.

In community,
Dr. Noel B. Ramirez, DBH, MPH, MSW, LCSW, BCD, CSAT
Director, Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting