Hundreds gathered at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza on Friday, October 3, for the third annual Queerceañera (Queerce)—the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s signature celebration of queer Latine culture. This year’s event, presented by Wella Company, honored Lushious Massacr, Mexican-American drag artist and viral social media sensation, and Oliver Alpuche, founder of DTLA PROUD and nightlife venues Redline and KISO.
Inspired by the monarch butterfly’s journey across borders, this year’s Queerceañera was a vibrant reminder that love, identity, and community know no borders. The evening paid tribute to the resilience and migration stories of LGBTQ+ immigrants amid violent ICE raids across the country.
“In a world that demands that queer people hide, we refuse,” said Lushious Massacr in a rousing speech. “In a country that demands that immigrants run and hide in fear, we refuse. We will not be afraid, and we will not ask for permission to live our lives. Be brave, be fearless, and ALWAYS be you.”
In a world that demands that queer people hide, we refuse.
Luchious Massacr, honoree
The Center’s Legal Services team was onsite at the event, offering free immigration resources for guests and their families, transforming the courtyard into a space of not just joy—but safety, solidarity, and support.
DJ Bella Spreads kept the dance floor packed with high-energy sets, while artist Yulissa Mendoza reimagined the The Advocate & Gochis Gallery space with a special installation, evoking the sense of belonging found around a family dining table.
“Queer spaces are where we gather. We plan, we protest, we celebrate, and we need to keep them alive” said honoree Oliver Alpuche. “This year specifically—this year of heartache, trouble, and all the pain that you see—we need to remember to celebrate. We are here.”
In addition to Presenting Sponsor Wella Company, this year’s Queerceañera was also made possible by Official Sponsors Casamigos, Gilead Sciences, Waymo, Andy Ortiz & Peter Nielsen, and Carlos Medina & Denis Cagna.
“At Wella Company, we believe beauty is more than what you see—it’s how you feel, how you connect, how you express your truest self,” said Martin Dale, Head of Education, North America, Wella Company. “Witnessing Queerceañera come to life was a powerful reminder of that mission. The joy, creativity, and resilience on display reflect exactly why we are proud to stand with the Los Angeles LGBT Center in celebrating queer Latine culture and community.”
