the future of latin music is LGBTQ+
BY DANY MIRELES (SHE/HER)Not long ago, the only openly gay artist that was in the spotlight in Latin America was Ricky Martin. Times have been evolving, music is changing and so is society. The emergence of LGBTQ+ artists in these countries have played an important role in helping challenge norms and make progress as a more supporting community.
These artists not only contribute to helping society become more accepting and less conservative but they give vibrant and fun music for people to enjoy, they have an important part in representation and in advocacy for inclusion.
Artists such as Young Miko, Omar Apollo, Tokisha, Arca, Villano Antillano, Anitta, Pablo Alborán, PAZ and Pablo Vittar, are just a few names of queer artists that have been dominating the latin genre for these last few years. They play everywhere you go if you ever visit any part of Latin America. Clubs, restaurants, parties, the radio, everywhere. Young Miko has become a big name in this continent over the last year and a half. Her song “Classy 101” landed on Hot Latin Songs in Billboard’s Hot 200 global songs, peaking at No.17, she is getting honoured at the 2024 BillBoard Women In Music Awards with the “Impact Award”, demonstrating the hard work and dedication she has towards her music.
In an interview with Billboard, she says growing up queer was a “taboo”. She said “Either you were ‘confused’ or you would get bullied”. She worked in a tattoo shop in Puerto Rico to earn enough money to move out of her town to follow her dreams of becoming a rapper . Leaving her small town, Añascos, led her to meet open minded people who supported her music and her sexuality. “When I started writing, I was like ‘fuck it’ people already know I am gay, why would I sing to men? If I don’t like men, I am not going to dedicate a song to one.” Young Miko is raising her voice to the LGBTQ+ community and women with her huge influence in Latin America.
LGBTQ+ music artists play a crucial role in increasing the visibility within the industry, the music industry has been dominated by heterosexual narratives, by stepping into the spotlight, these artists challenge stereotypes and provide role models for queer individuals who feel underrepresented. Artists who break these stereotypes and identify outside of them promote a more understanding of the community, which helps broader conversations about acceptance.
Anitta is a bisexual Brazilian reggaeton and funk singer who has been emerging over the last few years, with hit songs such as Downtown, Me Gusta and Used To Be. She has acclaimed success all over the world, she performed in the VMAS last year and won the award for “Best Video Clip”, she was one of the most talked about performances of the night, performing her hit songs in a green jumpsuit that represented the Brazilian flag with the colours pink, purple and blue, representing her sexuality. The Brazilian superstar and bicon has been making her presence known in the mainstream music industry.
Music has always been considered one of the most powerful mediums for advocacy, it can help connect people morally, help them understand and become more empathic towards any kind of situation. Through songwriting, visuals and more, they create a space where their fans who identify as queer can have a sense of belonging and makes them create their own stories throughout the artist’s music. Many LGBTQ artists blend their culture with their diverse influences, which very often creates a sound that resonates with not only Latin America fans but fans from all over the world. This sound very often comes off as unique and innovative, but it also creates a bridge between different communities by embracing their roots.
The rise of popularity of LGBTQ+ artists in Latin America has helped with turning around the conservative perspective most of the countries in this continent have, they have helped millions of people by being someone who is actively raising their voice, fostering inclusivity and advocating for rights. They are helping make these places more accepting and helping people accept themselves for who they are. They bring a voice to all those who are unheard. Most of these artists are considered role models for people who are struggling to find their true identity and self or facing discrimination. People seeing their success and seeing them be true to themselves can demonstrate that it is possible to follow one’s passion despite challenges that people from the community face.
Resources:
Billboard https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/young-miko-trap-kitty-chulo-interview-hot-100-1235364246/