The Emmy Awards always stirs up excitement amongst fans when their favorite artists are nominated. With fan favorites and meme-worthy shows like “Euphoria” and “Stranger Things,” what’s not to be excited about? What’s not exciting is how once again, Latinos were largely absent from the nominations despite incredible performances by Latino actors.
One of the biggest snubs was Selena Gomez for her role as Mabel Mora in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” The show earned stellar audience reviews across the board and Gomez’s character “Mabel” is one of the most intriguing parts of the show. Naturally, many were upset that Gomez was overlooked for an award. Gomez did, however, get a nomination for producer of best comedy series, becoming the second ever Latina to receive this nomination.
\u201cselena gomez to the emmys tonight for not nominating her\u201d
Only two Latinos were nominated for this year’s awards. Guatemalan-American Oscar Isaac was nominated for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series Movie for his role in HBO Max’s “Scenes from a Marriage” but didn’t win. Colman Domingo, who is Guatemalan-Black, was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for “Euphoria,” becoming the only Latino to take home an award last night.
Emmys 2022 backstage: Colman Domingo ('Euphoria') wins for Best Drama Guest Actor | GOLD DERBYwww.youtube.com
While this Latino exclusion re-run is rightfully upsetting, not all was lost on the diversity front. The night was a big one for Black women, with Zendaya, Lizzo, Quinta Brunson, and Sheryl Lee Ralph all taking home awards last night.
\u201cSo many beautiful, deserving Black women getting their flowers tonight. I could cry #Emmys #Emmys2022\u201d
On another high note for representation, Netflix’s major hit “Squid Games” made history as the first foreign-language drama to win top honors at the television industry’s Emmy Awards, after creator Hwang Dong-hyuk won outstanding directing and Lee Jung-Jae, who was the protagonist of the show, won the Emmy for best actor in a drama series.
For Latinos on the small screen, the struggle continues.
Bolivia’s western Andes is known for its deep valleys, towering mountains, and breathtaking landscapes. However, the most interesting thing about it is that it’s home to a remarkable group of women challenging long-standing gender norms.
Bolivian “Cholitas,” known for their iconic pollera skirts, aguayo embroidered cloth, and high bowler hats, are empowered Indigenous women carving out spaces for themselves that were once inaccessible. Through mountain climbing, skateboarding, and martial arts, they’re defying patriarchal structures and reclaiming their identities.
Cecilia Llusco, an Aymara woman, is one of many Cholitas leading the charge against societal conventions. Raised in Bolivia’s mountains, Llusco’s connection with them runs deep. From her early years assisting her father, a high mountain guide, to going on her own climbing journeys, she’s known for her resilience and determination. She has become a high mountain guide, following in her father’s footsteps while still making the road her own.
“The Cholita Climbers,” as they're known, refuse to be bound by traditional gender roles. Scaling Huayna Potosí and setting their sights on Everest, they're not just climbing mountains; they're shattering stereotypes. Lidia Huayllas, the group's elder stateswoman and deputy mayor, is leading by example, inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams despite the odds. The journey of The Cholita Climbers is not just defined by an impressive list of physical feats, but also by a deep sense of cultural pride.
In the streets of Cochabamba, the Imilla Skate collective stands out for all the right reasons. Led by Dani Santiváñez, this group of bold young women is rewriting the script of skateboarding. With their vibrant, traditional clothes, they challenge conventional ideas of femininity and athleticism, presenting a much more interesting and empowering alternative.
The Imilla Skate collective has transformed neglected spaces, making them vibrant and exciting again. They’re not just skaters, they’ve reclaimed their right to public spaces and fostered strong community bonds. Their influence even goes beyond the streets of Cochabamba, rippling across the nation. Their message is clear: women belong in skate parks, and their presence is non-negotiable. By taking this stance, they're helping amplify indigenous voices and reshape perceptions of what it means to be a skateboarder.
Self-defense: Cholitas against gender-based violence
Faced with the issue of gender-based violence, Bolivian Cholitas are refusing to stay silent any longer. Lidia Mayta, a woman who was violently attacked by would-be robbers at her front door, has turned to martial arts as a tool for empowerment. Not only of herself but of other women in the community who are tired of being victimized and afraid.
In Bolivia, over 53% of women experience physical or sexual violence. Despite the high prevalence of gender-based violence, prevention services often lack knowledge about disabilities, limiting access to information and care, and leaving women to fend for themselves. Shockingly, only 1% of gender-based violence cases are prosecuted and convicted.
In this context, taekwondo studios like Warmi Power offer a sanctuary for women to learn self-defense techniques and reclaim their sense of agency. Beyond physical training, these spaces serve as platforms for solidarity and collective action against gender-based violence. Mayta found this space to learn taekwondo and she’s now one of their main facilitators, dedicated to introducing women to the transformative power of martial arts.
By teaching women with the skills to defend themselves, organizations like Warmi Power are challenging the culture of impunity and fostering a culture of accountability. Their message is clear: violence against women will not be tolerated, and every woman has the right to feel safe in her community.
Bolivian Cholitas are leading a new chapter in their history
The stories of Bolivian Cholitas scaling mountains, mastering skateboards, and learning self-defense are not just individual victories; they’re part of a larger change that will ripple for generations to come. Through their actions, these women are rewriting the script of gender norms and reclaiming their rightful place in society. As they continue to challenge stereotypes, they inspire communities in Bolivia and around the world to rise and take up space. Bolivian Cholitas are shaping history, one challenge at a time.
Picture this: the grand arena hums with the electricity of expectation and the clamor of a thousand voices, all waiting for the spectacle of the age-old Mexican tradition of Lucha Libre, a wrestling style born in the heart of Mexico in the early 20th century.
The combatants aren’t mere wrestlers; they are luchadores, artists of acrobatics and theatricality, their faces hidden behind vibrant masks that carry stories older than the very sport they represent, stories rooted in the legacy of the ancient Aztecs.
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The luchador's mask is not just a face cover; it's an identity, a conduit connecting the wrestler with the audience, a symbol of honor to be protected at all costs. A wrestling match doesn't just end with a defeat; sometimes, it ends with a loss of the mask, a disgrace that overshadows any physical torment.
Lucha Libre isn't merely a sport; it's a cultural celebration, an art form that shapes and colors the Mexican canvas of life, where the heroes and villains from the ring live on as murals on the walls, characters in TV shows, and even as action figures in a child's game.
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Entering this vibrant, high-energy world requires more than courage. It demands an ironclad commitment to physical excellence, an artist's flair for dramatic storytelling, and an acrobat's grace. A luchador or luchadora must master the art of engaging in combats that demand intense athleticism while ensuring they provide a thrilling spectacle rather than an actual physical altercation.
For many years, Lucha Libre was a dance that only men were allowed to perform. The ring resonated with the footfalls of the male luchadores, while women could only watch from the stands. But then came the luchadoras, claiming their rightful place in the ring.
The journey of the luchadoras in Lucha Libre commenced during the mid-twentieth century. These audacious women first graced the ring in the 1940s and 1950s, participating in what was then termed "exhibition matches."
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They were oddities, curiosities meant to amuse rather than engage the audience. Yet, these were the pioneers, the early luchadoras who dared to dip their toes in the testosterone-infused waters of Lucha Libre, setting the stage for future generations of women wrestlers.
Lucha Libre is rich with stories of luchadoras who have distinguished themselves in the wrestling ring with their unique talents and captivating performances. Irma González is a remarkable example, a woman of many masks: Flor Negra, Rosa Blanca, La Tirana, La Dama del Enfermero, La Novia del Santo, and Emperatriz Azteca. Lola González is another luminary, a luchadora who etched her name into the annals of Lucha Libre with her signature moves and unmatched tenacity.
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Stepping into the ring today, you'll find luchadoras like Marcela, Princesa Sugehit, and Zeuxis, who are adding their unique chapters to this exciting narrative. They've earned a reputation for their formidable wrestling techniques and a keen sense of showmanship that lights up the ring.
Global recognition has come calling too. Luchadoras such as Sexy Star and Faby Apache have impressed audiences beyond Mexico. Their performances resonate on an international scale, drawing attention to the fascinating world of Lucha Libre and inspiring more women to explore this intriguing profession.
Luchadoras are often seen as disruptors, as they defy deeply entrenched beliefs about femininity and a woman's place in society. For many, the sight of women executing high-flying maneuvers, engaging in physically intense combats, and showcasing raw power remains an unconventional image. However, through consistent excellence and display of courage, the luchadoras have won hearts and minds.
It’s essential to point out that the challenges for luchadoras extend beyond societal perceptions. There are the grueling physical demands of Lucha Libre that demand peak physical fitness and agility. Luchadoras have to train just as hard, if not harder, than their male counterparts to ensure they can meet the exacting requirements of the sport.
And they must do so while navigating a system that often undermines their efforts or overlooks their accomplishments.
For example, women frequently find themselves assigned to the earlier rounds, rather than the prime-time, headline slots. As a consequence, they often face lower paychecks compared to their male counterparts. Wage disparity, limited opportunities, and lack of representation are just some of the additional battles these brave women face outside the ring.
Yet, in spite of these challenges, they remain undeterred. With every dropkick, body slam, and flying maneuver, they assert their rightful place in Lucha Libre. As they continue their journey, they reinforce the true essence of Lucha Libre – an unremitting battle for honor and respect.
The landscape of abortion rights in the United States has become more restrictive than ever in recent history, particularly in Arizona and Florida, where recent developments represent a major setback for women’s reproductive rights. On April 9, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in a 4-to-2 decision to uphold an 1864 law banning abortion from the moment of conception. The only exception is saving the mother’s life, but there are no exceptions for rape or incest under this law.
Just a few days earlier, on April 1, the Florida Supreme Court also ruled in favor of upholding a 6-week abortion ban, which will take effect on May 1. This further reduced the legal threshold for abortions in Florida, which used to be 24 weeks of pregnancy before Republicans passed a law in 2022 banning abortions after 15 weeks. Both of these rulings have sparked intense debate and outrage about their impact on women’s rights.
Overview of the Near-Total Abortion Ban in Arizona
The Arizona Supreme Court voted to uphold an 1864 law, a law passed even before the state officially was a part of the United States of America, that makes all types of abortion illegal, including medication abortion, from the moment of conception. Though there are exceptions in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, the ban makes no exceptions for cases of rape or incest and imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment, on medical professionals performing abortions.
Medical professionals have spoken out about how dire the situation will become for women with this near-total abortion ban. Dr. Jill Gibson, chief medical director of Planned Parenthood in Arizona, told CNN that this ruling will have “absolutely unbelievable consequences for the patients in our community.” She continued by saying, “Providers need to be able to take care of their patients without fear of legal repercussions and criminalization.”
Representatives from Arizona and other states across the country have also spoken up against this near-total abortion ban.
Until this Arizona Supreme Court decision, abortion had been legal in the state up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. The right to abortion via Roe v. Wade prevented the enforcement of the near-total abortion ban, but since a majority vote in the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe, those opposed to abortion rights had been fighting to enforce the 160-year-old 1864 law.
This new abortion ban in Arizona is not effective immediately as the court has paused its ruling for 14 days until additional arguments are heard in a lower court about how constitutional the law is. However, the law will likely come into effect in May, a few weeks from now. Planned Parenthood Arizona, the largest abortion provider in the state, will continue serving the community until the ban is enforced.
An Overview of Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban
The landscape of abortion in Florida has also undergone a significant change with the enforcement of a 6-week abortion ban, replacing the previous 15-week limit. This ban, similar to Arizona's, severely restricts access to abortion care and poses a significant challenge to reproductive rights in the state. Providers are bracing for a public health crisis due to the increased demand for abortion and limited options for patients.
Practically speaking, a 6-week abortion ban is a near-total abortion ban because pregnant people often don’t even realize they could be pregnant by this early stage. Combined with Florida’s strict abortion requirements, which include mandatory in-person doctor visits with a 24-hour waiting period, it’s nearly impossible for those who may want an abortion to be able to access it before 6 weeks. Not to mention that fulfilling the requirements is particularly challenging for low-income individuals.
Moreover, this Florida law also restricts telemedicine for abortion and requires that medication be provided in person, effectively eliminating mail-order options for abortion pills. While exceptions for rape and incest exist in Florida, the requirements are also strict, asking victims to provide police records or medical records. For victims who don’t always report sexual violence for many different reasons, these exceptions don’t make a difference.
The consequences of Florida’s ban extend to neighboring states with more restrictive abortion laws. For instance, residents of Alabama, facing a total ban on abortion, and Georgia, with its own 6-week abortion ban, have relied on Florida for abortion services. That will no longer be an option, further limiting care alternatives.
The Road Ahead
These recent abortion bans in Arizona and Florida are a major setback for women's rights, particularly impacting Latina women who already face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. These bans not only restrict women’s reproductive freedom but also endanger their lives.
Efforts to challenge these bans through legal means and ballot measures are ongoing, but the road ahead is uncertain. While there’s hope for overturning these abortion bans, the challenges of conservative laws and legal battles are formidable. The November ballot in both states will be crucial in determining the future of abortion rights and access for all.
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