ABOUT LYDIA OTERO

A few bio highlights:

•I'm a writer, historian, and activist deeply rooted in the Arizona-Sonora border region, where I was born and raised. My experiences as a queer activist, and blue-collar worker from 1978 to 1998 in Los Angeles form the basis of my latest book, L.A. Interchanges. Currently residing in Tucson, I stay connected to L.A. through family, friends, and history.

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• I was a tenured professor in the Department of Mexican American Studies at the University of Arizona (2003-2020). 

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• I was appointed an OAH Distinguished Lecturer by Philip J. Deloria, President of the Organization of American Historians, in 2021.

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• From 2020 to 2022, I served as the "Historian" for the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission, which is responsible for preserving the region's rich historical heritage.

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•In 2021, my book  In the Shadows of the Freeway: Growing Up Brown & Queer received a 2021 Southwest Book Award from the Pima County Library.

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• In 2019, Arizona’s César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition awarded me the Dolores Huerta Legacy Award for my activism and scholarship focusing on bringing awareness to Mexican American and local history.

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• My first book, La Calle provided the source material for the local Borderland’s Theater's “Barrio Stories,” a site-specific theatrical event that took place over four days in 2016, and that attracted over 5,000 attendees and showcased the power of storytelling. Watch a documentary on "Barrio Stories."

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• In 2011, the Border Regional Library Association awarded my book, La Calle: Spatial Conflicts and Urban Renewal in a Southwestern City a Southwest Book Award.

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• I received a BA in 1992 and MA in 1996 from Cal State Los Angeles.

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• I have a PhD in History.

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• Prior to my academic pursuits, I worked worked as a electrician in IBEW Local Union 11 in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994. My labor contributed to building some of the most iconic structures in Los Angeles, such as the U.S. Bank Tower, Universal Studios’ CityWalk, and the Metro Rail.

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• I was active in Lesbians of Color from 1979 to 1982. I also attended the First National Lesbians of Color Conference in 1983 in Malibu, California.

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• I was active in Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos in Los Angeles from 1983 to 1991. I also served as President for two years, 1988-1990.

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• I was one of the original or founding members of Lesbianas Unidas in 1983.

I served as co chair multiple years. and remained active in the group until 1991.​​