Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, the 1st LGBT mariachi group, celebrates 10 year anniversary

A local mariachi group is celebrating a decade of showcasing the best Mexican folk music with a welcoming flair.

Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, or Rainbow Mariachi of L.A., is an all-LGBT mariachi group, the first of its kind.

At the helm is Carlos Samaniego, the group’s founder and director.

“I’m an openly gay man who performs mariachi music,” Samaniego told KTLA 5’s Carlos Saucedo. “I needed to have a space, a safe space where I wasn’t going to be bullied or made fun of.”

He originally started the collective while in college after experiencing homophobic remarks from some of his peers where “machista” or sexist attitudes have traditionally frowned upon gay culture. The group didn’t take off until 2014 blossoming into what it is today.

“We started with five musicians in 2014. The group is now 12,” he explained.

Those musicians are in all shades of the rainbow.

“I identify as easily said, trans woman… more specifically, a gender fluid non-binary trans fem,” explained violinist Yalitza “Yaya” Vasquez-Lopez.

“I don’t feel like I have to put on a character, I feel I can just be myself with this group,” said trumpet player and vocalist Noel Ayala-Loera.

These performers have found a place to call home and they take great pride in their work.

Arcoiris has performed all over the world and the countless accolades prove their music is sending a positive message.

“We’re representing both the LGBT community and Latino/Mexican community,” Samaniego said. “We get to show people we are professionals regardless of how it is we identify.”

KTLA continues our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15. Be sure to join us for a special broadcast on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. We’ll be highlighting inspiring stories of Latinos here in Southern California showcasing their contributions to music, food, art and more.

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