Remezcla Fires Gustavo Arellano After Boycott

It had recently been announced that publisher and editor Gustavo Arellano would be working for the digital publisher Remezcla. Arellano had resigned from working at OC Weekly back in October due to not wanting to layoff staff. You can read more about that story by clicking here. As it turns out his stay at Remezcla would not last long.

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                  “More @GustavoArellano news: I’m now editor at large for @REMEZCLA, tasked w/recruiting more writers to cover Southwest and other uncovered raza regions! PITCH ME NOW!!!!” January 2, 2017. 8:50 PM. Tweet.

As soon as the above announcement became public, many in the Latina and Latino community were not pleased with his position at this publication. The hashtag #BoycottGustavoArellano started getting traction on Twitter. Soon enough over 400 people unfollowed Remezcla’s official Twitter page in protest of hiring Arellano.

The reason the hashtag came about is due to the gente not being happy that Remezcla would hire a racist, homophobic, transphobic person. Below are examples of this.

RACISM

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                    “Those assholes who hacked Leslie Jones’ website sullied Harambe’s good name!” August 24, 2016. 4:06 PM. Tweet.

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                    “Same Latinos: “Just like “negrito” isn’t “n***er” but rather “darky” so hence Latinos are nowhere near as racist as gabachos!” October 28, 2017.  1:07 PM. Tweet.

In response to individuals who called him out for using the n-word:

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                      “I said it in context, and I’ll say it again, just like I’ll say any damn word I want.  Don’t like? Don’t follow.” November 10, 2017. 6:20 AM. Tweet.

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                      “My profession is writing, my tools are words. Why the FUCK would I ever deny myself them? because I’m not “supposed” to say them? Fuck dat” November 10, 2017. 8:51 AM. Tweet.

HOMOPHOBIC/TRANSPHOBIC

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                      “BTW, most fascinating thing I learned from Latinx folx this weekend is that they call cis Mex males they don’t like “shitcanos.” You know, because calling me an anti-woman 4chan term is SO woke!” December 18, 2017. 8: 35 AM. Tweet.

It’s been stated that he’s also xenophobic and has made insulting remarks in regards to Central Americans. Once I’m able to find these examples I will add and update this section. So far this is what I’ve been able to find.

Earlier today Gustavo made this announcement:

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                  “Aaaand I’m leaving @REMEZCLA for @PochoDotCom—more money there! It’s been fun, fam!” January 4, 2017. 9:40 AM. Tweet.

Less than an hour later Remezcla posted the following message:

Remezcla (@REMEZCLA)                                                                                                            “Remezcla recently engaged an independent contractor to act as a part-time editor at large. We have heard your concerts about this decision, and as a result have decided to dissolve this role. As an organization, we are committed to creating an inclusive space that welcomes underrepresented voices and perspectives. In doing so, we strive to spur dialogue that is respectful and thoughtful – and to build a team that adheres to this standard. We remain dedicated to engaging the complex issues that face our communities – particularly those at its margins – with the respect that you expect and deserve.” January 4, 2017. 10:26 AM. Tweet.

 

When asked by a follower if he was let go, Arellano replied

Arellano, Gustavo (@GustavoArellano)                                                                                  “Nah, I got promoted to @PochoDotCom!” January 4, 2017. 12:55 PM. Tweet.

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