Anderson Silva Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

Posted on July 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Anderson Silva has been immortalized by UFC.

The 48-year-old Brazilian mixed martial artist and boxer has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

But he’s not the only legendary fighter in the Hall.

Jose Aldo, who also helped build the popularity of MMA in Brazil, was among the honorees celebrated this week at T-Mobile Arena

Silva and Aldo headlined a star-studded class that included fan favorite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, lighter weight MMA pioneer Jens Pulver and a classic, knockdown, drag-out fight between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald from 2015.

Silva, is on the short list of the best fighters ever. “The Spider” still holds the UFC record of 16 straight victories and has the second-most consecutive title defenses (10, behind Jon Jones and Demetrious Johnson at 11). Silva had the longest title reign in UFC history, holding the middleweight championship for 2,457 days. He did it all with flair, too. Silva, a flashy striker, has the most finishes (nine), knockouts (seven) and knockdowns (10) in UFC title fights.

Silva did not attend the ceremony Thursday because of “scheduling issues,” according to his son Kalyl, who accepted on his behalf. Silva posted an Instagram video in Portuguese thanking his team, family and fans.

“They’re both icons,” Kalyl told ESPN of Aldo and his father. “Jose Aldo, ‘The King of Rio,’ and Anderson Silva in the same class is just perfect. It couldn’t have been written any better.”

Aldo’s accolades are nearly as impressive. He is the most decorated featherweight fighter in MMA history. Aldo, 36, had a combined nine successful title defenses in the UFC and WEC, which was eventually purchased and absorbed into the UFC. He was the youngest champion in WEC history at 23 years old. He even moved down to bantamweight late in his career and had a solid run there, too, falling to Petr Yan in a vacant title fight in 2020.

“It’s very emotional, very hard to explain,” Aldo told ESPN’s C. Contreras Legaspi via an interpreter. “Ever since I wanted to come to the UFC, [I wanted to] be a champion, and I got so much more. So, this is a lot of dreams coming through at the same time.”

Cerrone has the most fights (48) and most wins (29) in Zuffa history (between UFC, WEC, Strikeforce and Pride). But he was most known for being an action fighter and taking fights when the UFC needed him.

“It’s just cool that I got recognized for answering the call every time they called,” Cerrone told ESPN. “And that was my job. When they said, ‘We got a guy,’ then I’m your man, let’s go. And I never turned down a fight, never backing down and just fighting until I couldn’t fight anymore. And that’s what I wanted. That was my legacy. I wanted [people to say], ‘Cowboy’ is fighting? Oh, we got to find a bar. We got to pull the car over. We got to figure it out.’ And I think I succeeded.”

Pulver, 48, was the first UFC lightweight champion, winning the belt in 2001 when the 155-pound division was called “bantamweight” and successfully defending it against the likes of BJ Penn. The UFC later abolished that weight class, and it didn’t resurface for five years. Pulver, who was undersized for even that weight class, would go on to have success in Japan before returning to the UFC and then WEC at 145 pounds.

“I battled, for a long time, with anxiety and depression,” Pulver said in a moving speech. “And I learned, never close the door on the person you’re going to be in five years. Because time is different. Those problems, those memories will change. If you’re busy growing your world, those problems will get a lot stronger. Never close the door and do something drastic. I love you, believe me. I love all of you. I love you very much.”

The contributions of lighter weight fighters like him early on helped create opportunities for others such as Conor McGregor, who would go on to become the biggest star in the history of the sport fighting at 145 and 155 pounds.

Also on Thursday, the Nogueira brothers, Antonio Rodrigo and Antonio Rogerio, were named the 2023 recipients of the Forrest Griffin Community Award, which recognizes contributions in volunteer and charity work. The brothers are legends of Brazilian MMA and mentors for Silva and others.

Anitta to Co-Headline Los Angeles’ L.A. Pride in the Park Celebration

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is Pride-ing high…

The 29-year-old Brazilian singer/songwriter will perform at this year’s L.A. Pride festivities.

Christopher Street West — the non-profit organization behind L.A.’s annual Pride celebrations — announced a new slate of LGBTQ performers set to join them for their in-person music festival L.A. Pride in the Park.

In addition to Anitta, the lineup includes Syd, Chika, Michaela Jaé “MJ” Rodriguez, Rebecca Black, Bob the Drag Queen, Zolita, Alexander Stewart, Edward Frame, Grag Queen, Allison Ponthier, San Cha, Rossi, Drumaq, Mike Taveira, Boy Untitled, Gess, Malibu Barbie and A Club Called Rhonda.

Along with joining the lineup as a new performer, Anitta was announced as the event’s second headliner, alongside pop icon Christina Aguilera, who joined the Pride in the Park lineup back in March.

“We’re thrilled to have women, the majority of them LGBTQIA+ artists of color, lead our mainstage event to celebrate our return to Pride,” Gerald Garth, CSW’s vice president of community programming and initiatives, said in a statement. “Los Angeles represents a broad range of cultures, backgrounds and identities, especially across the BIPOC communities. Bringing influential and diverse artists is a nod to the many different people reflected within our community.”

Tickets for the daylong concert, which will take place on Saturday, June 11, at Los Angeles’s State Historic Park, are currently on sale, starting at $45 for general admission passes, and $200 for VIP passes. This year will also mark the return of Los Angeles Pride Parade, which was canceled for the first time in L.A. Pride’s 50-year history in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To see the full lineup and buy your tickets for L.A. Pride in the Park, click here.

Demi Lovato Promotes Partnership with Propeller to Raise Awareness & Action for LGBTQ Issues

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is encouraging people to do their part to support the LGBTQ community, even though Pride Month has drawn to a close.

The 28-year-old half-Mexican American actor/singer has shared a new video to help promote their partnership with Propeller, aiming to raise awareness and actions for LGBTQ issues by offering fans a chance to win special prizes.

In the clip, Lovato shared the reason why they started the campaign — in order to help LGBTQ and trans youth around the country.

“In 2021 alone, more than 34 states have introduced legislation targeting trans youth,” Lovato said in their video. “It is more important than ever that we continue to work to secure equal rights for all. Join me in taking action to support organizations working hard to defend LGBTQIA+ rights, and support the Equality Act.”

The star also spoke on some of the prizes that fans could win, the biggest being a trip to Joshua Tree to stay at the Invisible House, where Lovato shot the promotional photos for their latest album Dancing With the Devil..The Art of Starting Over.

“You’ll have a chance to win items from my closet including outfits I’ve worn on tour or an incredible trip to Joshua Tree,” they added. “I’ve put together some of my favorite things to do and some of my favorite places to go there, and I’m teaming up with Propeller to give that all to you. All you have to enter is take action with Human Rights Campaign, a group that has been working tirelessly to support trans and non-binary equality, and all LGBTQ+ rights for over 40 years.”

For their new campaign, Lovato is urging fans to donate directly to organizations such as HRC, The Trevor Project, and more, while also asking them to sign petitions for causes including the Trevor Project’s “50 Bills 50 States” initiative to end conversion therapy in the U.S., or HRC’s “Count Me In” campaign to support transgender and non-binary youth.

You can enter their Propeller campaign here.

Colman Domingo to Appear at the Democratic National Committee’s Upcoming Pride Celebration Fundraiser

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Colman Domingo is celebrating Pride with the DNC…

The 51-year-old Guatemalan American actor will take part in a special Pride Celebration fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee next week.

Vice President Kamala Harris will headline the event, which will include a number of performances and an introduction by Barbra Streisand.

The DNC traditionally hosts a Pride month event, but the fundraiser also speaks to the desire among party activists to have a large war chest heading into next year’s midterms.

The performers on the bill for the virtual event on June 30 include Andra Day, Billy Porter, Kristin Chenoweth and Melissa Etheridge.

In addition to Domingo, other stars making appearances include Andy Cohen, George Takei, Matt Bomer and Whoopi Goldberg.

Tickets to the event start at $50, and rise to $20,000 for a co-host designation and access to a VIP “clutch.” Those who write or raise $40,000 will get a host designation and access to the clutch. The New York Times first reported on the event.

The DNC raised $12.1 million in May, according to reports to the Federal Election Commission, while the Republican National Committee raised about $11.1 million. Those are hefty sums for an off-year period and, according to Bloomberg News, a record amount.

Last year, as the pandemic prevented in-person fundraising, Democrats capitalized on the ease of holding virtual events, both in drawing talent and in bringing in greater numbers of small-dollar donors.

Demi Lovato Teams Up with Propeller to Raise Money for LGBTQ Issues

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is giving back to the LGBTQ community…

The 28-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actor is teaming up with public-benefit corporation Propeller.

This week, Lovato unveiled their new campaign with Propeller to help raise money and take action on LGBTQ issues, specifically aligned with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, the Trevor Project and the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness.

In the new campaign, the “Sorry Not Sorry” singer is auctioning off outfits they’ve worn — either on tour or on television — and a vacation experience to Joshua Tree.

To enter, fans can take a number of different actions, including signing petitions for the Trevor Project’s “50 Bills 50 States” campaign to end conversion therapy in the United States, joining HRC‘s “Count Me In” initiative advocating for transgender and non-binary equality, or donating directly to these organizations.

“Pride is about celebrating and giving back to our community, and this year I want all of us to take action,” Lovato said in a statement. “With this Propeller campaign, we’ve made it easy for people to take meaningful action by engaging with critical legislation, advocating for trans and non-binary voices, and ultimately lifting up our community with support. I’ve curated some incredible prizes, but the true win for everyone will be watching the positive effects of our collective action flourish and make our community a happier, safer, and more equal place.”

To check out the numerous auction items and to learn more about Lovato’s new campaign, click here.

Demi Lovato Teams Up with Henry Masks for Special 2021 Pride Collaboration

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is maskin’ up for a good cause…

The 28-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actor has teamed up with Henry Masks for a special 2021 Pride collaboration.

As part of the collaboration, Lovato helped design four reusable face masks — perfect for travel, concerts, festivals or everyday wear.

The Demi Lovato x HENRY four-pack includes three prints inspired by the colors of the trans flag and non-binary flag. There is also a purple mask with the non-binary flag featured on it. Each mask features Henry’s unique peaked shape, which makes it easier to breathe through and more comfortable to wear for long periods.

The masks are also fully washable and reusable. Use the ear loops to wear it around your ears, or use the adjustable strap to tie the mask around your head. The four-pack retails for $49.50.

As part of the collaboration, Lovato and Henry Masks are teaming up to donate 25% of proceeds from sales of this limited-edition pack to The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Center for Transyouth Health and Development. Henry Masks says the money will go towards supporting CHLA‘s mission of helping young people and their families as they navigate their gender journey.

As for why they chose to work with Lovato, Henry Masks says, “Their story of triumph and perseverance inspires us all.”

Henry Masks also has their own line of Pride-themed face masks, available here. The four-pack features rainbow-hued motifs, with a fun take on the Rolling Stones‘ iconic lips and tongue logo, plus a special mask with the message, “Love is Love.” Get Henry Masks’ Pride 4-Pack for $49.50 at HenryMasks.com.

Lovato’s collaboration with Henry Masks comes on the heels of their partnership with Talkspace, an online therapy platform that Lovato is helping to promote, in an effort to encourage young people to talk about mental health and depression.

Georgel Releases Spotify’s First-Ever Pride Latin Exclusive Single “No Putx,” Featuring Molotov’s Tito Fuentes

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Georgel is commemorating Pride Month through music…

The 36-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter, whose real name is Julio Arevalo Reyes-Rosas, has released the empowering anthem “No Putx” featuring Molotov‘s Tito Fuentes.

In the neo hip-hop satirical track, Georgel – who’s at the forefront of ushering the Latin R&B renaissance – doesn’t hold back singing about the machista Latin culture and its efforts to oppress the LGBTQIA+ community with homophobic slurs such as p—.

But in “No Putx,” the rising artist also reaffirms the empowerment of a community that demands equality and justice.

“No te confundas que ese no soy yo,” Georgel sings defiantly. “No somos machos pero somos muchos … Ahora dime quien es el [puto].”

“No Putx,” which becomes the first Pride Latin Spotify Exclusive Single, is a new take on Molotov’s 1997 rock anthem “Puto,” in which they use the infamous “p–o” chants to critique Mexican politicians. The new track is Georgel’s gift to his fans for Pride Month, which he tells Billboard he’ll sing “fiercely and loudly!”

Demi Lovato to Take Part in iHeartMedia & P&G’s “Can’t Cancel Pride” Virtual Benefit Concert

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is celebrating Pride in a big way…

The 28-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actor will be taking part in iHeartMedia and P&G’s second annual “Can’t Cancel Pride,” a virtual benefit concert featuring some of the biggest LGBTQ names in music appearing to offer special performances, while also raising funds for nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping LGBTQ people around the world.

Hosted by Elvis Duran and Bebe Rexha, the event will take place on June 4, and will feature appearances and performances from Lovato, Lil Nas X, Troye Sivan, Rexha, Brothers Osborne, Busy Phillips, Hayley Kiyoko, Jennifer Hudson, JoJo Siwa, Marshmello, MJ Rodriguez, Nina West, P!nk, Ricky Martin, Regard and Tate McRae.

Along with putting on a good show, iHeartMedia and P&G are also partnering with Greater Cincinatti Foundation to help distribute the funds raised from the event to six organizations supporting the LGBTQ community in 2021, including GLAAD, SAGE, The Trevor Project, the National Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink, and OutRight Action International.

“As the country is returning back to normal and we are slowly starting to gather again, LGBTQ+ communities around the world are still feeling the devastating effects of COVID-19,” iHeartMedia’s chief marketing officer Gayle Troberman said in a statement. “We look forward to once again celebrating the incredible voices and allies of the LGBTQ+ community with an amazing night of music that will honor Pride and the communities’ fight for equal rights, all while benefiting six remarkable nonprofits that make an everyday positive impact.”

“Can’t Cancel Pride” will take place on June 4th at 9:00 p.m. ET on iHeartRadio’s TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram TV pages, PrideRadio.com and Revry, while also being broadcast on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App.

Learn more about the upcoming event here.

Christina Aguilera Releases New Line of Pride-Themed Merchandise

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Aguilera is showing her support for the LGBTQ community…

With Pride Month just a few weeks away, the 40-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer is helping her fans gear up for the season with some brand-new merchandise.

Xtina recently shared a line of merch to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, with portions of the proceeds being donated to LGBTQ organizations.

The new line includes four new items, including a sweatshirt, a mesh tank top, a pair of briefs and a face mask, all emblazoned with different, rainbow-themed variations of the singer’s nickname “Xtina,” her face with dripping, rainbow-colored makeup, and a pair of lips.

Along with providing new attire for her fans, Aguilera is also making sure to give back to the transgender community with her new merch. Thirty percent of all proceeds from the line will go toward two organizations: TransLash, a nonprofit organization using personal storytelling to “shift the cultural understanding of what it means to be transgender in order to foster social inclusion and reduce anti-trans hostility,” and TransTech, an organization founded by actress and activist Angelica Ross to “economically empower” transgender people through employment opportunities, workshop programs and more.

“Fighters gonna be looking fly this pride,” Aguilera captioned an Instagram post showing off her new merch. “I’m so excited to announce my new PRIDE collection! I am also proud to support @transtechsocial & @translashmedia, two organizations doing such important work for the community.”

Shop the collection by clicking here.

Rita Indiana Releases New LGBTT Anthem “Miedo”

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Rita Indiana isn’t scared…

The 43-year-old queer Dominican singer-songwriter is celebrating Pride Month with a new reggaeton track “Miedo,” which pays homage to the LGBTT community.

“For the LGBTT community, fear (miedo) is something to be conquered every day, fear of violence, rejection and injustice,” she says. “This song is for my community, for whom love has always been a heroic trait.“

Known for poignant lyrics that often tackle topics like queerness, non-conforming sexuality and class, the singer and author of the Spanish novels Papi and Tentacle, was recently signed by Warner Chappell Music.

“Rita is an artist that fearlessly speaks her mind and tackles critical issues impacting society head on through her writing,” says Lazaro Hernandez, Warner Chappell Music‘s vp, a&r, U.S. & Latin America. “All of us at Warner Chappell are not only fans of her music, but are also fierce supporters of what she stands for. We look forward to helping amplify Rita’s voice and message through her music.”

Rita Indiana is set to release her forthcoming album later this year, her first solo set in a decade. Titled Mandinga Times, the album was produced by fellow Warner Chappell Music writer Eduardo Cabra, a.k.a. Visitante of Calle 13.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Pride