El Camino College to Present “Rainbow & Raza”
El Camino College will celebrate the powerful intersection of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month with “Rainbow & Raza,” featuring a performance by Mariachi Arcoíris de Los Angeles, known as the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi ensemble. All are invited to attend this special presentation set for noon on Oct. 1 in El Camino’s East Dining Room.
Scheduled during the two-week intersection of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, the event celebrates the connection between Latinx culture and LGBTQ+ identity through music, storytelling, representation, and conversation. The program will feature queer-inspired ranchera music and mariachi-style Broadway show tunes.
The event will begin with a question-and-answer session and conversation with members of Mariachi Arcoíris de Los Angeles, exploring the meaning behind LatinxQ+ and LatinxQ+ Halfmoon Legacy, LGBTQ+ representation within mariachi and Latinx culture, and the ensemble’s experiences challenging traditional expectations while proudly embracing their combined heritage and LGBTQ+ identities. The conversation will set the stage for a live musical performance celebrating culture, authenticity, visibility, and pride.
Los Angeles-based Mariachi Arcoiris (or Rainbow Mariachi) was created as a haven for mariachi musicians who identify as LGBTQ+ to come together and perform in an otherwise “machista” and discriminating subculture of the mariachi world.
“Rainbow & Raza is about celebrating the beauty that exists at the intersection of culture, heritage and LGBTQ+ identity,” said El Camino College LGBTQIA+ Student Success Coordinator Kenny Simkins. “Our students should be able to see all parts of themselves represented and celebrated, without feeling like they have to choose one identity over another. Through the music and stories of Mariachi Arcoíris de Los Angeles, we have an opportunity to honor Latinx heritage while also creating space for LGBTQ+ visibility, authenticity and pride.”
Rainbow & Raza is one of many programs coordinated by the college’s LGBTQIA+ PRIDE Center designed to support students and staff. In addition, a network of resources is available to students, both on campus and in the community.
El Camino Community College District encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the El Camino College LGBTQIA+ PRIDE Center as soon as possible, but no later than seven days prior to the event.
For more information about El Camino College’s LGBTQIA+ resources, view www.elcamino.edu/support/resources/lgbtqia-resources/ or contact [email protected].