She was often fetishized for her ethnicity, with people asking her where she was from and remarking on her "exotic" appearance. Mondragón holds a special affinity for actress Jenna Ortega, who has been hailed as the "ultimate new-age goth girl" by Vogue Australia. Both Mondragón and Ortega identify as Latina and have been influenced by goth culture.
The goth movement has traditionally centered around white women, "with pioneers like Theda Bara and Maila Nurmi," "a."k. a. Vampira... being celebrated as icons. However, this narrative erases the contributions and experiences of Latinas and other women of color who have been part of the subculture all along. Mondragón is one of several Latina and Hispanic goth girls in Arizona who are opening up about their experiences and thriving within the subculture.
Her story is part of a larger narrative that is pushing for greater diversity and inclusivity within the goth community. The Indianapolis Star has provided extensive coverage of the goth community... including its historical roots and contemporary developments.
In The News:
Mondragón recalls being in her 20s and visiting Denver's goth scene, realizing how white it was and just how fully appreciated she was while there.
"They were completely fascinated with me," Mondragón said, adding a common refrain she heard was, "You are so exotic. Where are you from?"
For many who are not goth, the subculture appears to leave Latinas and other women of color in the shadows. Who the goth movement regards as its foremothers is restricted to white women like silent film vamp Theda Bara and campy 1950s TV hostess Maila Nurmi, a.k.a. Vampira. Additionally, much of goth makeup centers around white foundation.
Through the goth lens, Mondragón holds a certain kinship with actress Jenna Ortega. Vogue Australia declared the 21-year-old ingénue of Mexican American and Puerto Rican descent, “the ultimate new-age goth girl,” while Elle.com has a running tally of Ortega's “most fabulous goth-glam looks.”
Mondragón is among Latina and Hispanic goth girls in Arizona spanning three generations opened up to The Republic about all the ways they thrive under a pale moonlight.
Growing up in the '90s in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mondragón was entranced by goth art and music during what she said was the subculture's "golden age."
