World's 1st LGBTQ mariachi band DAZZLES L.A.
Mariachi ArcoIris puts their own spin on Mexican romantic ballads, changing the lyrics to represent same-sex courtship.
One local mariachi band is particularly booked up with gigs this Pride month: Mariachi Arcolris de Los Angeles, the world's first LGBTQ mariachi band.
Reporter Betsy Shepherd caught them at the Fullerton pride festival recently, where founder and band member Carlos Samaniega told her that, alongside challenging macho expectations, the ICE raids in LA were another reason the band felt galvanized to keep performing.
"I sat down with everyone and said we have to continue doing what we do, because this is our form of protest," says Samaniega.