Estrella Jalisco is partnering with the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi band, Mariachi Arcoiris, to offer free performances.
This program is part of Estrella Jalisco’s $1 million, 5-year commitment to bring brightness and color to communities by investing in celebrations of art and the people who make it.
According to a University of Chicago survey, more than one in five Latinx millennials identify as LGBTQ+, more than any other ethnic group. Yet, 61% of Latinx millennials polled said there remains “a lot” of discrimination against LGBTQ+ members in their community.
“Mariachi Arcoiris was founded as a way to create a safe space for professional LGBTQ+ musicians to honor their traditions, authentic selves and play great music. We couldn’t be more proud to partner with Estrella Jalisco, a brand that shares in our commitment to inclusivity,” explains Samaniego. “Together, we hope to inspire all generations to appreciate the beauty of this traditional music — and open the eyes of many to the artistry of this group of LGBTQ+ individuals.”
To illustrate Mariachi Arcoiris’s progressive spin on Mexican tradition, Estrella Jalisco released a short film featuring a multigenerational celebration with a surprise performance from the group. The footage captures Hispanic families’ reactions and features real conversations about machismo culture. It’s directed by Los Angeles-raised Enkrypt, who belongs to the LGBTQ+ community and grew up listening to mariachi.