@giantmendez
Check out my writing portfolio
Check out my writing portfolio
They/them. I'm a queer person of color, freelance writer, and photographer. I'm a lifelong Midwesterner who loves to eat, travel, and explore on two wheels. I write and make pictures centered around equity, food, travel, entertainment, the outdoors, and experiences on the margins. I revel in pulling untold stories into the light and welcome opportunities to create accessible narratives to connect us. Find my photo portfolio here.
Marigold Photo
Marigold Photo
Minneapolis-based portrait and event photography. Queer & Chicanx owned.
The Latest
Beans are so hot right now - Cultured
Beans are so hot right now - Cultured
RFK Jr. might not be a fan, but I sure as hell am, and burying the lede with a big, long life update
backofhouse — ryanstopera.com
backofhouse — ryanstopera.com
Photography, art, cook book celebrating immigrant chefs in Minnesota by Diana Albrecht and Ryan Stopera.
Closure of longtime Minneapolis punk house Disgraceland leaves behind a legacy
Closure of longtime Minneapolis punk house Disgraceland leaves behind a legacy
An era ended when the owner announced plans to sell the home. The last punks moved out on April 30. Disgraceland has hosted live music, sheltered touring bands and housed countless individuals within the local DIY and punk communities.
Why I Have Built My Life Around Co-op Culture
Why I Have Built My Life Around Co-op Culture
Wax World photos for The Current.org
Wax World photos for The Current.org
Photo collection by Marigold Photo
Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report 2025: Bizhiki
Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report 2025: Bizhiki
Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report 2025: Ghosting Merit
Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report 2025: Ghosting Merit
The Best New Bars in the Twin Cities
The Best New Bars in the Twin Cities
Where to sip tiny martini flights, custom shots, and constellation-inspired cocktails
The Twin Cities’ Best Dive Bars
The Twin Cities’ Best Dive Bars
Sourdough Savior
Sourdough Savior
New year, still working on healing old wounds
Dry January: Top Minnesota-made choices for NA beer, wine, and more
Dry January: Top Minnesota-made choices for NA beer, wine, and more
Dry January: The top Twin Cities stores to buy NA drinks
Dry January: The top Twin Cities stores to buy NA drinks
Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Best Cocktail Bars
Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Best Cocktail Bars
The strong dining scenes in Minneapolis and St.
Things to Do in Duluth
Things to Do in Duluth
The Best Day Trips From Minneapolis and St. Paul
The Best Day Trips From Minneapolis and St. Paul
Minnesota is a state ripe with year-round adventure for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a few hours to burn.
Minneapolis punk band VIAL grew up (kind of), but never gave up
Minneapolis punk band VIAL grew up (kind of), but never gave up
PHOTO: H1000Q Halloween
PHOTO: H1000Q Halloween
Photo collection by Marigold Photo
Green Day thrill during nostalgic punk rock show at Target Field
Green Day thrill during nostalgic punk rock show at Target Field
PHOTO: Jose Cortes X Picnic
PHOTO: Jose Cortes X Picnic
PHOTO: House of 1000 Queers - WürmNite
PHOTO: House of 1000 Queers - WürmNite
Wiener Takes All
Wiener Takes All
Plants Power Northside’s Heal Mpls Cafe
Plants Power Northside’s Heal Mpls Cafe
Gold From the Soil - Oro by Nixta review on Racket
Gold From the Soil - Oro by Nixta review on Racket
Building Dynamic Data - Bush Foundation
Building Dynamic Data - Bush Foundation
BIPOC Foodways Alliance Fosters Cross-Cultural Connection and Healing - Racket
BIPOC Foodways Alliance Fosters Cross-Cultural Connection and Healing - Racket
More Writing
Taste Your Way Through the Minneapolis Cultural Districts
Taste Your Way Through the Minneapolis Cultural Districts
"Supporting Farmworkers: A Labor of Love and a Legacy"
"Supporting Farmworkers: A Labor of Love and a Legacy"
Imagining a New Nicollet - KMart Site History for the City of Minneapolis
Imagining a New Nicollet - KMart Site History for the City of Minneapolis
Celebrate winter and explore climate solutions with the return of the Great Northern Festival
Celebrate winter and explore climate solutions with the return of the Great Northern Festival
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