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Breakout Star Tonatiuh Honored at Hollywood’s 2025 Models of Pride, Inspiring LGBTQ+ Youth
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On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Los Angeles LGBT Center hosted its 33rd annual Models of Pride summit, the largest free LGBTQ+ youth event in the country, drawing hundreds of young people and their families to its Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood. The event’s centerpiece was the honoring of Tonatiuh, the breakout star of the critically acclaimed film “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” whose growing body of work is rapidly reshaping the narrative landscape for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media .
Tonatiuh’s journey is emblematic of the evolving opportunities—and persistent challenges—faced by LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities in the entertainment industry. Born to a family that immigrated to the United States with limited resources and no knowledge of English, Tonatiuh’s mother worked at a drive-thru to support the family . In his acceptance speech, Tonatiuh reflected on the improbability of his artistic career, noting, “As a kid, a career in the arts wasn’t even in my realm of possibility. But a decade later—after years of work, the support of a loving community, and a refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer—I am now the lead in a Hollywood film.”
Tonatiuh’s rise to prominence was catalyzed by his performance in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” a film that has been widely praised for its nuanced and deeply human portrayal of queer love and resilience . Industry commentators and LGBTQ+ advocates have credited the film, and Tonatiuh’s role in particular, with reinvigorating Hollywood’s commitment to authentic queer storytelling.
The annual Models of Pride summit is recognized as a cornerstone event for LGBTQ+ youth in Los Angeles and beyond. The 2025 gathering featured interactive workshops, artistic performances, community resources, gaming lounges, and carnival games, all designed to foster connection and empowerment among participants ages 24 and younger, as well as their families and friends . Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, described Tonatiuh as embodying “the courage, authenticity, and artistry that bring to life the vibrant voices too often unheard,” adding that “visibility matters, authenticity empowers, and a single voice—spoken with heart—can inspire an entire generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.”
Hosted by social media personality Kevin Ninh , this year’s summit included a live Q&A with Tonatiuh, where he addressed themes of belonging, intersectionality, and the ongoing fight for representation in entertainment .
Tonatiuh’s recognition comes at a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ visibility on screen. This October alone, streaming services and studios have released a wave of queer-focused content, including “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Hazbin Hotel,” and “Hedda,” each featuring LGBTQ+ leads and narratives . The presence of LGBTQ+ actors and creators at the forefront of these projects signals a shift in industry priorities, with an increasing emphasis on stories that reflect the full diversity of queer experiences.
Tonatiuh’s work, particularly in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” has been cited as a model for responsible and inclusive casting, with critics highlighting the film’s refusal to rely on stereotypes or tokenism . Instead, Tonatiuh’s performance is lauded for its emotional depth and commitment to portraying multidimensional LGBTQ+ characters, an approach that resonates deeply with young viewers seeking affirmation and visibility.
During the Models of Pride event, Tonatiuh addressed the assembled youth directly: “I am one of you, and yes, it’s possible.” His words, grounded in personal experience, reflected both the progress made and the work yet to be done in ensuring that Hollywood’s doors remain open to the next generation of LGBTQ+ artists.
The summit closed with a celebration of creativity and activism, underscoring the interconnectedness of visibility, representation, and community support in the ongoing pursuit of equality. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the impact of Tonatiuh’s achievements, both on screen and off, offers a powerful reminder: when LGBTQ+ individuals are given the platform to tell their own stories, the results inspire not only audiences, but also a new wave of leaders committed to authenticity and justice.
