10 Types of Donuts and What They Say About You

Trends have a knack for popping up out of nowhere and taking over our social media feeds in no time. Be it fashion, makeup, the latest dance craze, or a catchy new tune – they just sort of become a part of our everyday lives. What slips by a lot of people, though, is how many of these trends are actually born in communities that don't get enough of the spotlight.

Have you noticed a recurring pattern of popular internet trends being seemingly 'new,' yet strikingly familiar? More often than not, these 'trends' are deeply rooted in Latino and Black culture and subcultures. With social media, things can go viral at the speed of light, and everyone’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, often not bothering to dig into the origins of the trend. Sure, this can lead to people learning about new cultures and ideas, but it can also spread misinformation and foster ignorance about other cultures and their history.

So, let's take a moment to appreciate the origins of some viral trends and acknowledge the cultural influences that made them possible.

Baggy Clothes, Flannel Shirts, and Bandanas

You know how fashion's like a merry-go-round? Old styles get a new lease on life; all spruced up and ready to be the next big thing. Enter oversized flannel shirts paired with bandanas. This trend might be the uniform of edgy influencers today, but its roots are firmly planted in Black hip-hop culture and the Cholo style of the Latino community, dating back to the 60s.

This combination was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of unity, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black and Latine women would rock these, usually with high-waisted jeans and some blingy gold jewelry, adding a bit of swagger to the ensemble.

Brown Lips and Liner

Brown glazed lips and liner became a significant trend within Black and Latina communities during the 90s as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. The contrasting lip liner, often several shades darker than the lipstick or gloss, defined and accentuated the lips, a feature celebrated in these communities. This style was, and still is, a unique way to highlight the natural fullness and shape of the lips.

The choice of brown shades specifically was, in part, a rebellion against traditional beauty standards, which often favored lighter, more 'neutral' colors. Brown shades, on the other hand, better complemented the diverse range of skin tones found within Black and Latina communities, making this trend not only a fashion statement but also an assertion of cultural pride and self-love.

Today, as the brown glazed lips and liner trend is adopted by mainstream beauty culture, we're seeing beauty standards from these communities getting the limelight only when white or white-passing folks decide to jump on the bandwagon. The same styles that were once labeled as "ghetto" when worn by their originators are suddenly trendy, laying bare a beauty bias that puts whiteness on a pedestal.

It’s crucial to remember its origins and the empowering message it held for the women who pioneered it. The trend serves as a testament to the ability of these communities to redefine beauty standards and influence global aesthetics.

So the next time you come across a viral trend, it might be worth digging a little deeper into its origins. These styles and aesthetics are not simply passing trends—they're enduring expressions of culture, identity, and history. By acknowledging the roots of these trends, we can appreciate them for what they are: celebrations of the rich diversity and creativity embedded in Black and Latino cultures.

A trend is only as influential as its reach, and it's clear these cultural styles have impacted us globally. So, here's a call to recognize, appreciate, and give credit to the vibrant Latino and Black communities whose stylistic innovations continue to shape global fashion and internet trends. As we appreciate and adopt these styles, let's ensure we're not just consumers but also respectful celebrators of the cultures that birthed them.

Shoutout to @veteranas_and_rucas for their inspiring collection of “herstoric homegirl imagery” showcasing the beautiful lives and incomparable style of SoCal women.

The emergence of goth culture within the Latina community is intertwined with the historical backdrop of Latin America. Born amidst socioeconomic instability and political unrest, Goth culture, with its emblematic black attire, a penchant for the darkly romantic, and roots in post-punk music, has woven itself into the tapestry of societies worldwide, offering an escape and a form of resistance.

Goth culture first made its way into the Latina community in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was heavily influenced by the Gothic rock and post-punk music scenes. This was a time when bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Bauhaus were gaining international popularity, and the messages of alienation and rebellion resonated with many Latina youth.

Gothic culture's fascination with the exploration of mortality, melancholy, and the macabre found a natural home within Latin America's cultural framework. From Mexico's Dia de Muertos to various folklore tales filled with haunting spirits and tragic love stories, gothic themes echo in Latine culture.

Throughout the years, many influential personalities have helped popularize this unique lifestyle, seamlessly integrating it into mainstream consciousness.

Kat Von D, a professional tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and TV personality, draws on her Mexican roots and remarkable gothic aesthetic to champion goth culture within the Latine community. From her distinctive fashion style and makeup to her thriving beauty line, she illustrates how this vibrant subculture can be an integral part of daily life.

Kat Von D’s husband, Rafael Reyes, or Leafar Seyer, also happens to be a talented musician and author that’s significantly impacted the Latina goth scene, particularly with his band, Prayers. They initiated Cholo goth, a compelling blend of goth and Mexican-American Cholo subculture. Through his work, Reyes addresses potent themes like violence, survival, and spirituality, offering a reflection of his experiences that resonates with the community.

Goth Latina influences are also making waves in the entertainment industry. Goth culture is becoming more visible in TV shows and movies. From Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams in “Wednesday,” to Jackie Cruz's Flaca in "Orange is the New Black.”

Influencers like Mexican artist Lupe Vasconcelos, whose horror-themed illustrations capture her cultural heritage; Fernanda Lira, the forceful vocalist and bassist for the Brazilian thrash metal band Nervosa; and Patricia Morrison, the Cuban-American bassist for the gothic rock band Sisters of Mercy, whose Cuban roots enrich her music.

Each of these figures continues to shape and diversify the goth aesthetic within the Latina community and beyond, underscoring the genre's global reach and cultural inclusivity. Not to mention the countless content creators showcasing their amazing style, talent, and artistry on platforms like TikTok.

Goth culture within the Latina community serves as a tool for self-expression, a challenge to societal norms, and a reflection of their diverse heritage. This aesthetic allows Latinas to disrupt traditional beauty standards often associated with vibrant, colorful imagery, embracing instead a dark romanticism that mirrors Latin America's rich and contrasting history.

Latina goth culture offers a unique fusion of traditional and unconventional aesthetics, showcasing the community's diversity. Its evolution and growth, spurred by prominent figures and pop culture, continue to draw more of the Latine community into its witchy realm.

We totally get the feeling of watching a random TED talk at 3am then walking around the next day with a whole new outlook on life - they’re just inspiring like that. The magic of TED talks is unmatchable. Some hit harder than others though, so we’ve gathered a few that as Latinas you’ll find yourself shedding a few happy inspired tears.

Angie Xtravaganza, an iconic figure in the LGBTQ+ community, was a strong voice for transgender rights, a significant promoter of the queer ballroom culture, and a prominent representation of Latinx individuals within the queer community. Her life story, though marked by personal challenges, continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide, transcending generations and communities alike.

Angie Xtravaganza was born in New York City in the mid-1960s and grew up in an era of social change. Yet, like many transgender individuals, her childhood and adolescence were marked by a struggle with gender identity. She found herself living in a society that couldn't comprehend her feelings, but despite the adversities, her resilience shone through as she sought acceptance and respect for who she was.

Angie Xtravaganzawww.youtube.com

It was in the ballroom scene that Angie found her voice and her family. Originating in New York City, the ballroom culture provided a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those of color, who were ostracized from their homes and communities. Here, Angie found the House of Xtravaganza, one of the most famous "houses" or alternative families in the ballroom community. Angie quickly rose in the ranks to become the "Mother" of the House of Xtravaganza, the first Latina to hold such a position.

As "Mother" Xtravaganza, Angie led by example, setting standards for performance and personal conduct. Her house, under her leadership, went on to win several titles and accolades in the ballroom scene, creating a legacy that stands today. More importantly, Angie's role was that of a surrogate mother to young queer and transgender Latines, providing them with a support system when their own families turned them away.

Angie's impact, however, extended far beyond the ballroom. She used her growing prominence to address the systemic issues plaguing the LGBTQ+ community, especially those related to queer and transgender people of color. She was instrumental in educating people about HIV/AIDS at a time when the disease was highly stigmatized and misunderstood. Her advocacy efforts were driven by her own experiences, as she saw many of her friends and "children" from the ballroom community succumb to the disease.

She was one of the key subjects in Jennie Livingston's documentary "Paris Is Burning" (1990), which brought the ballroom culture and the struggles of its community members to mainstream attention. Through this documentary, Angie became a visible figure representing transgender women of color, shattering stereotypes and raising awareness about their struggles in a society largely ignorant and indifferent to their reality.

Angie Xtravaganza passed away in 1993, at the age of 28. Yet, her legacy continues to thrive. The House of Xtravaganza remains one of the most renowned houses in the ballroom community, embodying Angie's ideals of love, acceptance, and resilience.

Angie Xtravaganza was more than just a notable figure in the LGBTQ+ community; she was a trailblazer, an advocate, and a beacon of hope. She exemplified the strength inherent in embracing one's identity and used her platform to uplift others in her community. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and resilience of queer culture, particularly in the face of societal stigma and adversity. Today, as we celebrate the achievements and progress of the LGBTQ+ movement, we remember Angie Xtravaganza and the profound impact she had on countless lives.