Fed up with discrimination within the LGBTQ group, two passionate musicians shaped the first-ever LGBTQ mariachi group in Los Angeles as a secure house for individuals who determine as lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender or queer. What started as a gig at a membership flourished into an empowering musical motion that’s identified at this time as Mariachis Los Arcoiris de Los Angeles, based by Carlos Samaniego and Natalia Melendez, who is called the primary transgender feminine within the historical past of mariachis.
With Hispanic Heritage Month simply across the nook and an upcoming present on September 15 at El Grito Festival in LA, Billboard caught up with founding member Natalia to speak all about Mariachi Arcoiris.
When did you first uncover your love for music?
At the age of 8. I’ve been a musician for over 26 years. I studied violin and vocal. It’s my ardour and my love.
How was the thought of forming an LGBTQ mariachi born?
The thought got here from Carlos. He known as me up in the future when he was fed up with discrimination within the work subject and we determined to provide it a shot. I used to be about 19 years outdated once we had our first gig in a membership. The supervisor at that membership owned a homosexual membership and he provided us a job to carry out there. We have been very younger, nonetheless in school, so we pale out after a few reveals. About 10 years later, in 2014, we picked up the group once more. We have a imaginative and prescient. This is our child.
As the primary transgender lady in mariachi, what’s the message you wish to give to others?
I pour my coronary heart out after I carry out, representing myself. I would like what I’m to make an announcement for the following technology. To allow them to know you could be a task mannequin. To present them you is usually a transgender lady and achieve success with out letting society carry you down. I took a number of pictures on the negativity and have a much bigger imaginative and prescient now, to be seen and optimistic in individuals’s lives usually. Life is tough, however when you may have a dream, you will be no matter you need.
What can we count on from Mariachi Arcoiris’ efficiency at El Grito?
We have an incredible present ready. It’s about an hour lengthy and we’re catering to not solely Latinos, but in addition millennials outdoors of the Latino group. We’re going to provide what we symbolize: an LGBTQ mariachi group that’s on fireplace, sharp and tight. We’ve obtained an incredible efficiency.
