Congratulations to Ariana DeBose for winning the Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance as Anita in “West Side Story” (2021). Rita Moreno won the same award for playing Anita in the 1964 version of the musical.
In her acceptance speech DeBose spoke about the importance of representation and opening doors for marginalized people.
“Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus, look into her eyes. You see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that is, I think, what we’re here to celebrate.”
DeBose came out to her grandparents in 2015. She identifies as Queer.
In 2017 she met Sue Makkoo, a costume designer and professor, while working on Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (DeBose played Disco Donna). They are currently in a relationship and attended the 2022 Oscar’s ceremony together.
DeBose and actress Jo Ellen Pellmen created the Unruly Hearts Initiative to help young people connect with organizations and charities that advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Miss Amara La Negra literally went and made her damn name the proud embodiment of her Black skin, in a society that often overlooks the vibrant Afro-Latinx history that has originated culture from the jump. That’s how you do it. __ Watchthis space as we continue to celebrate Latinx Heritage
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