Interview with Rigoberto González, Author of “Antonio's Card / La tarjeta de Antonio”
What would you say to the Antonios of the world, who face judgment and teasing from peers because a family member identifies as LGBTQ+?
I would say that the world is a very big place, larger than the places where teasing becomes amplified because they are so small. Instead of listening to the negative words said, listen to the positive words and repeat them, share them, give them more voice and light. What matters is right in front of you, like that person who loves you and that you love. Save your energy and attention for them.
Les diría que el mundo es grande, más grande que esos lugares en donde las burlas se amplifican por que son lugares muy pequeños. En vez de escuchar lo negativo, escuchen las palabras positivas y repítanlas, compártenlas, ofrézcanles más voz y luz. Lo que importa esta ahí, enfrente de tí, como esa persona que los quiere y que quieren. Reserven su energía y atención para ellos.
What inspired you to write Antonio’s Card?
At the time I didn't see many Latinx characters represented in LGBTQ+ narratives for children. And in the Latinx community, families with two mothers or two fathers do exist. so I wanted to offer a story that centered around what matters to any family, LGBTQ+ or not--love.
En ese tiempo no veía tantos personajes Latinos representados en cuentos LGBTQ+ para niños. Y en la comunidad Latina, familias con dos mamás o dos papás existen. Así es que quería ofrecer un cuento enfocado en lo que toda familia, sea LGBTQ+ o no, valora--amor.
Children’s books were some of your earlier publications, before many works of poetry, novels, and memoirs. What brought you to make the switch, and do you anticipate working on more children’s books in the future?
I keep dreaming of coming back to children's books and I have a feeling I might quite soon. I had to switch because I wanted to advance in the professional field of American literature, and I've been very happy with what I've accomplished. But I have neglected the world of children's lit for too long now, and it's time to come back home.
Sigo soñando en retornar a los libros infantiles y tengo un presentimiento que lo haré muy pronto. Tuve que cambiar por que quería avanzar mi carrera en la profesión de la literatura americana, y he estado muy contento con lo que realizé. Pero he desatendido el mundo de la literatura infantil por tantos años que ya es tiempo de regresar a casa.
How has Antonio’s Card been received?
I was pleasantly surprised that there was an audience for the book. I had anticipated more controversy or resistance to the story, but that was not the case. Young readers and their families were ready to find a new friend in Antonio, and that book continues to be appreciated and reintroduced to the next generation of readers.
Me sorprendí agradablemente que había lectores para este libro. Había anticipado más controversia o resistencia al cuento pero no fue así. Lectores infantiles y sus familias ya estaban dispuestos a encontrar un nuevo amigo en Antonio, y ese libro continua siendo apreciado y reintroducido a la siguiente generación de lectores.
Antonio’s card meant so much to his family: acceptance, loyalty, love, strength, and more. Can you tell us about something you’ve received - big or small - that meant as much to you?
I keep very few things from my past, but one that I've held on to is a small wooden box my grandparents bought me when we traveled to Mexico. The box is decorated with designs that remind me of our homeland, but most importantly, of my grandparents, who noticed me admiring it in a shop and decided to buy it for me. I still feel the warmth of that memory whenever I look at it, so I keep it near my desk to remind me that what truly matters in this world are the people who bring it joy.
Guardo muy pocas cosas del pasado, pero una que todavía tengo es una cajita de madera que mis abuelos me compraron cuando viajamos a México. La cajita está decorada con diseños que me recuerdan a mi patria pero más importante todavía, que me recuerdan de mis abuelos, quien notaron cómo la admiraba en una tienda y decidieron comprármela. Todavía siento la calor de esa memoria cuando la veo, por eso la tengo cerca de mi escritorio, para recordarme que lo que realmente tiene valor en este mundo son las personas que nos otorgan alegría.
