Denise Chávez

Denise Elia Chávez (born August 15, 1948) is a Chicana author, playwright, and stage director.

Denise Chávez in 2010

Quotes

• Being a Chicana is a political, societal, economic and spiritual stance for me because I identify myself with the struggle of Chicanos in this marginal border world of identity—straddling different worlds, the world of the raices in Mexico, the roots, and also the contemporary world of the United States…
  • On identifying as a Chicana in “AN INTERVIEW WITH DENISE CHAVEZ” in Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies (1994)

• …If I say I ’m not a Chicana I might as well cut off my arm or my leg. And if I say I ’m not a feminist, well, I might as well cut off my foot. The whole package goes together.
  • On not feeling limited being deemed as a Chicana writer in “AN INTERVIEW WITH DENISE CHAVEZ” in Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies (1994)

• Remember that the Latino, Chicano, Mexican American writers are following in the footsteps of the African American writers. This has to do with the antepasados, the people who have come before you, who allow you to take the steps you need to take. I always thank the Black writers because they gave me a sense of freedom…
  • On the parallels between African American literature and Chicano literature in “AN INTERVIEW WITH DENISE CHAVEZ” in Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies (1994)

• Because of that whole kind of philosophy that we Latinos have where your roof caves in, your sink goes out on you, everything bad, but you got to go on with life…Ni modo. No matter what happens to you, you are a survivor. You endure. You keep on going.
  • On the perseverance of Latinos in “‘My Dream Was to Work at the Dairy Queen’: Author: Denise Chavez is earning raves for her first book, which celebrates Latino culture. But she isn’t moved by her new fame. She just wants to tell her tales--and re-stucco her house” in the Los Angeles Times (1994 Nov 9)

Quotes about Denise Chávez

• Two of my role models are Ana Castillo and Denise Chavez, who draw on their backgrounds for the work they do. They are fearless. I look at them and know I have no excuse.
  • Kathleen Alcalá Interview (2021)