Cecilio Escobar

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By: Sajdeep Soomal

Cecilio Escobar in interview with Elspeth Brown and Sajdeep Soomal at CLGA (Photo: C. Barreto, 2017)

Cecilio Escobar in interview with Elspeth Brown and Sajdeep Soomal at CLGA (Photo: C. Barreto, 2017)

Cecilio Escobar is a 27-year-old trans Latinx who grew up in Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario. His parents and extended family emigrated to Canada from El Salvador before he was born. In the interview, Cecilio talks about two sets of materials – a collection of analog photographs held by his mother and his personal set of video diaries and digital photographs. After a brief period identifying as lesbian while attending OCADU, Cecilio began to figure out his trans identity and explore his Latinx heritage. In 2016, Cecilio transitioned and had top surgery at the McLean Clinic in Mississauga, ON. In both interviews, he discusses his closeness with and love for his family, especially his mom and elder brother, but also his queer and trans “chosen family” and his “son” – his cat Percy. As a fine arts student, photography and videography have always been important to Cecilio.

Cecilio and his son/cat, Percy. Photographed by Cecilio Escobar. c. 2016. Toronto, Ontario. Digital Image. Gift of Cecilio Escobar. Courtesy of The Family Camera Network and the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives.

Cecilio and his son/cat, Percy. Photographed by Cecilio Escobar. c. 2016. Toronto, Ontario. Digital Image. Gift of Cecilio Escobar. Courtesy of The Family Camera Network and the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives.

Cecilio's photos and interview can be accessed in The Family Camera Network public archive at The ArQuives: Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archives (formerly the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives).