Celebrated Mariachi Arcoiris to Perform at El Camino College in Observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance

A special performance by the acclaimed Mariachi Arcoiris will be part of El Camino College’s observation of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Known as the world’s first LGBTQIA+ mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Arcoiris is scheduled to perform on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 12p.m. in the Student Services Plaza.

Following the performance, students will share personal reflections, and the community will join together in honoring the lives of transgender individuals lost to anti-trans violence through a solemn reading of their names. Refreshments will be provided.

Led by director Carlos Samaniego, Mariachi Arcoiris is based in Los Angeles, sharing traditional Mexican regional music with new audiences. The group 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.

Sponsored by El Camino’s Gender Sexuality Alliance Club and the LGBTQIA+ Pride Center, Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual recognition of the 1998 murder of Rita Hester, a highly visible member of the transgender community in her native Boston who worked to promote awareness and education regarding transgender issues. The following year, advocate and writer Gwendolyn Ann Smith coordinated a vigil in Rita’s honor; this vigil continues today, commemorating Rita’s life and work, and all those tragically lost to anti-transgender violence. More than two decades later, police still have not found Rita’s murderer.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is one of many programs coordinated by El Camino’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Center designed to support students and staff. Other events include Transgender Day of Visibility each spring, annual Pride Week activities, and the celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month in October. In addition, a network of resources is available to students, both on campus and in the community.

The 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 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 eccpridecenter@elcamino.edu.