Our Story

What is Los Compas Lounge? 

Los Compas Lounge is an idea formed out of friendship, family, and life experiences. The magic happens when we three Compas come together to create a virtual lounge where we  talk and laugh about our lives. 

It all started when one  of us asked, “Who would have thought twenty years ago we’d be talking about this…” Then a question, “Hey, this stuff is serious. How come we don’t talk about it in public?” 

Then an idea, a question of sorts, “Hey Compas, if no one else is talking about this, why don’t we talk about it. What do you think about starting a podcast to talk about this stuff?” 

Then, the three of us look at each other and nod affirmatively: “Pues, andale. Vamonos recio!” We tip each other’s drinks, and thus, Los Compas Lounge is born.

Why Los Compas Lounge?

As Brown Men – Men of Color, we are not always afforded a space to be ourselves, to be honest with ourselves, to allow ourselves to be open and vulnerable. There are certain stereotypes, certain social and cultural conditioning, and expectations, whether fair or not, that are imposed upon us for the mere fact that we are Brown Men – Men of Color. We are told, explicitly or subtly to conform, to just be, or “just let it be.” 

So where do we go when we need to talk about issues that we don’t usually talk about, or even know how to talk about? We go to the Lounge. This Lounge is our space, and we open it up to you, a space specifically for Brown Men – Men of Color.  This is a space to talk, discuss, dialogue, and share our thoughts, experiences, and ideas. It’s a space where we can let down our guards, take off our armor, and be ourselves. We speak our truths as only we can. We listen. We learn. We share amongst each other, for each other. We do this because we are Compas. This is what Compas do. 

We are Los Compas Lounge.

Who are Los Compas?

Reuben Ramirez is just another Chicano from East L.A. Born in the desert – La Frontera from first-generation “Americans.” A statistical anomaly of sorts, raised in the barrios of Los Angeles, worked in the warehouses and docks. That’s not the anomaly, that’s the norm for most first and second-generation “Americans.” The anomaly is that I found a way to be accepted into the University of California, then to the California State University. But my real education and true learning came through the experiences that only Life can provide. Whether it was on the picket lines, the boycotts, the labor strikes, the nights sleeping underneath bridges or in cardboard boxes, fatherhood, traveling the country, finding, losing, and then reconnecting to the Red Road, Life taught me some serious and some laughable lessons. I found a way not to die, but a way to live a Life worth living and sharing. Who am I? I’m just another Chicano from East L.A.

c/s

Raul Pereyra, born and raised in East L.A., is a faithful husband and proud father of two beautiful children. Family is everything to Raul. He has embarked on a life-long journey to be of service to his family, friends and community.  A graduate of CAL and Texas, he values higher education and making a difference in the lives of others. Always looking at the glass as half full, Raul is a super positive person and always tells people to surround themselves with positive people.  Raul is high on life and is doing work that matters. Doing this podcast is doing work that matters.

Javier Gomez was raised in East L.A. in a traditional Mexican family with 4 siblings. He was introduced to computer programming at the age of eleven and has been a technology enthusiast ever since. His world is not all technology though, he enjoys the outdoors and has participated in a 60-mile pilgrimage family tradition multiple times. Javier is happily married raising three children, striving to pass on the positive traditions he was raised on to the next generation. Javier is a solution-driven individual that promotes positive energy and harmony.