We had the good fortune of connecting with Chaz Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chaz, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I’m a Sagittarius. Taking risks is a part of my astrological alignment…or so they say. Risks are scary because it’s all about uncertainty and with uncertainty comes the possibility of failure. Which means, if you are a risk taker, like I am, you really have to be open to the possibility of failing. I am okay with the possibility of failing solely because I have and continue to work on doing things well, which must also include failing. When I fail, I strive to fail well. When something doesn’t necessarily go as I hoped it would go, I allow myself to be in my sadness or frustration, for just a moment, then I push myself to move forward, taking with me all of the lessons I’ve learned. Then I apply the lessons to the next adventure or to the next risk. I take risks in relationships, in love, in career, because not only am I open to failing, I’m more open to the possibility of obtaining what I really desire. Risk taking above all for me is allowing myself to go for the moment/opportunity that I really want. And, I have the imagination to see the reward that’s possible after the risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

For the majority of my work, I’m a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) educator/strategist. I’ve mostly worked in institutions of higher learning at the university level. I came to education knowing that I wanted to help make it more accessible and breathable for marginalized communities, especially Black, brown, queer & trans communities. I’m a first generation college graduate, so I didn’t have a map on how to get to where I am today. I’ve been fortunate to meet wonderful friends along my academic journey to help support and guide me. Currently, I lead a department within a university that coordinates and curates programs and events for and about the lives and histories of seven historically racially marginalized communities. Being a DEI lead at a large university, during a time where it feels as if our society is arriving to a deeper conscious level, meanwhile violence is also being embolden, is tricky.

In doing this work day in and day out, I pride myself with knowing that my imagination aids me in dreaming possibilities for this work. That’s what separates me from others in my field, my unwavering tenacity to believe things can get better for all of us, with creativity and community.

Additionally, I’m a writer, poet, and creative. I’ve co-authored two novels – In Case You Forgot (2019), Busy Ain’t The Half Of it (August 2021). The novels centers the lives of Black queer people in LA. I’m currently a lead writer for season 2 of Handsome – a new web series that seeks to explore the dating lives of queer and trans people of color. My writing is informed by my interest in truth telling and sharing the nuances and simple joys of everyday life. I’m excited to see where my writing journey takes me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Variety and options come to mind when I think about taking a friend with me to explore my complicatedly beautiful LA. There are so many worlds in the city of Angels, and if I played tourist with a friend, I’d want them to see the variety, the options, and the many different worlds in this city. We’d have good cheap food, strong cheap drinks, play games, and have the sun kiss us.

Food:
On one of the days we’d go to Grand Central Market in Downtown. My friends and I can be quite indecisive, so Grand Central Market would be the best place to decide how we’d fill our bellies. Another day I’d take them to my favorite Mexican vegan spot – Cena Vegan! They are a great popup with Mexican street food. And because Cena Vegan is located right around the way, we’d pick up our food and enjoy it at Elysian Park.

Fun & Games:
One of my favorite arcade / barcarde has reopened and I’d definitely take my bestie to experience Two Bit Circus! It’s a fun arcade that house old school traditional games and new virtual reality games. Of course we’d have a few drinks while playing.
On another night we’d join one of the few skate groups to skate while the sun sets. We’d join a skate party at the beach or a local parking lot. Finally we’d also go to the weekly open mic/jam session – Tha Juice Joint, to vibe and listen to great music.

 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to all the ones that push me to dream bigger. To my therapist because they are a real one who dares me to try. To the wonderful artist and healer, Thea Monyeé, she is so many things and all things good! Her sharing her mind and heart with so many of us, is truly inspiring. Also, the Black queer writers, minds, creatives, whose writings and mind helps me to be more of who I am, to name a few: Hari Ziyad, J. Ama Hope-Mantey, Erin Whalen, Robert Jones, Jr., Tori Porter.

Website: ChazLCruz.com

Instagram: @chzcruz

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/chzcruz

Twitter: @chzcruz

Image Credits
Elaine Raif Alyssa Armstrong

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