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Celebrating Pride as Latines Gives Us the Chance to Stand Against Machismo and Antiquated Beliefs

By Bernardin/La Prensa Gráfica Noticias de El Salvado/Eva Rinaldi from Sydney Australia/Chrisallmeid

As Latino/es, it’s important to understand that we exist in many intersections. By doing this, we validate our community’s existence and identity, hence potentially saving lives. This is why celebrating pride as a Latino/e is important.  

The beliefs brought by our Christian colonizers influenced how our families perceived the LGBTQ+ community. Funny how who you loved was reduced to being a “sin,” while mass murder and rape by our colonizers didn’t get the same type of marketing. It was only “devastating,” yet our ancestors submitted to them (and no one can blame them: Survival will make anyone do the most uncharacteristic things.) However, let’s not forget that our Indigenous ancestors were an inclusive and accepting bunch, a mentality that needs to make its rounds back in this millennia. Beyond the machismo and the antiquated belief systems, it’s time we stand for the LGBTQ+ members in our community – and do so authentically. 

At this point, though, supporting the LGBTQ+ community comes naturally for many. After all, the Latine LGBTQ+ community is everywhere. But it’s not just everywhere in our era – it’s always been this way, especially when it comes to the music the world consumes.  

So, in honor of Pride month, let’s all become familiar with some LGBTQ+ Latino/e artists and their art. These artists are fabulous, deep, and talented – and definitely part of our Latino/e pride.  

Celebrate Pride By Getting to Know These LGBGTQ+ Latine Artists

Chavela Vargas 

Vargas was one of the first openly lesbian artists in Latin America. As a beautiful Mexican woman, her words wrapped around many then and continue to do so today. 

Ricky Martin 

Ricky Martin was one of the “It” stars of the 90s. The Puerto Rican artist crossed over to the mainstream music scene in 1998 for the World Cup, sang in both English and Spanish, and was considered one of the sexiest men (and still is). However, he hid his sexuality for what seems a long time until 2010 when he formally “came out” to the world. Though he received a lot of hate from ignorant people, he received more support than anything.  

Snow Tha Product  

Snow Tha Product, or Claudia Alexandra Madriz Meza, is one of the most transparent artists now. She speaks from the heart and could care less what anyone has to say. In her music, she talks about the intersection of being a lesbian and a Mexican woman as well as other themes. Snow, who has made it a point to showcase what it is to be an independent artist, also uses her social media to express vulnerability with her fans.  

Juan Gabriel 

Juan Gabriel, or Juan Ga as he was lovingly referred to, has a story that will move anyone to tears. He grew up in an orphanage, explored his identity without much guidance, and yet, gave the Latino/e some of the best classics. Though he never outwardly said he was gay, he famously told a reporter, “lo que se ve, no se pregunta,” when he was asked about his sexual preference. He was and continues to be the biggest mood ever.  

Cardi B 

Cardi B has openly identified as bisexual. This representation is crucial, as it empowers and inspires countless Latino/e individuals who may be grappling with their own identities. Cardi B’s visibility challenges cultural stigmas and fosters a more inclusive environment. The “Bodak Yellow” artist is currently married to Offset and shares two kids with him, but she continues to embrace her identity unapologetically. 

Kany Garcia 

Kany García, a celebrated Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, proudly identifies as a lesbian and shares her life with her wife, Jocelyn Troche. Her openness about her sexuality and her relationship is a great representation of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within the Latino and Puerto Rican cultures, where such topics can often be taboo.  

Anitta 

Anitta, the Brazilian star, has openly embraced her bisexuality, becoming a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Anitta’s fearless self-expression and pride in her identity empower her fans to embrace their own truths. By being unapologetically herself, she not only champions inclusivity but also serves as an inspiring role model for many who look up to her. 

Tokischa 

Tokischa, a rising star in the Latin music scene, proudly identifies as bisexual, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. Her boldness and authenticity in discussing her sexuality challenge traditional norms and provoke important conversations about acceptance within the Latino/e community. 

Kehlani 

Kehlani, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, identifies as “mixed” with Black, White, Native American, Filipino, and Mexican roots. Additionally, Kehlani’s openness about her sexuality as a lesbian further amplifies her role as an advocate for authenticity and inclusivity.  

Young Miko 

Young Miko is a Puerto Rican rapper who is furiously making her way through the music scene. In her songs, she explicitly writes about loving like a lesbian and this has resonated with Latina lesbians and queers who hadn’t had this representation in urban music in the past. Her song “Lisa” especially illustrates this – and it’s exactly what the LGBTQ+ needed.

Villano Antillano 

Another talented Puerto Rican voice, Villano Antillano is a transfemme artist, whose pronouns are she/her, and speaks her truth as often as possible. Currently, Villano has one of the most successful Bizzarap sessions, has obtained mainstream acclaim, and has inspired many with her story.  

RBD’s Christian Chávez 

Christian is part of one of the most loved Latin bands in modern history, RBD. He, along with his bandmates, created history with how they entertained the world. From a telenovela to singing on large stages, they pushed the envelope in a time when Latin music wasn’t given the praise it receives today. He was also one of the first Mexican artists in the early 2000s to live his truth and tell the world that he was gay. Though this impacted his career initially (because the Latino/e community can be homophobic), he is now loved more than ever.  

For some of you, we understand that these songs are already in your playlists. But for those of you who haven’t blessed your playlist with the songs below, make sure you do so. 

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