Breakout Star Tonatiuh Takes Center Stage at 2025 Models of Pride
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The ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ star returns to the Center’s stage a decade after previous performances, this time to be honored at the largest free LGBTQ+ youth summit
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LOS ANGELES, October 17, 2025—Tonatiuh, the mononymous breakout star of the critically acclaimed film Kiss of the Spider Woman, will be celebrated as this year’s Models of Pride honoree by the Los Angeles LGBT Center. With his magnetic screen presence that people are calling “deeply human,” and an unwavering dedication to authentic storytelling, Tonatiuh is rapidly emerging as one of Hollywood’s most compelling new voices.
“Being named this year’s Model of Pride by the Los Angeles LGBT Center is an incredible honor,” said Tonatiuh. “My mission has always been to bring dignity and depth to every character I embody and to tell stories that foster a more loving and tolerant society. My family immigrated to this country not knowing the language. My mother first worked at a drive-thru to support our family. 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. I’m overjoyed to celebrate with this new generation and say: I am one of you, and yes, it’s possible.”
Now in its 33rd year, Models of Pride is the largest free LGBTQ+ youth summit, drawing hundreds of young people and their families for a day of workshops, performances, and community connection. The event will take place Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 11AM-4PM at the Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood.
“Tonatiuh embodies the courage, authenticity, and artistry that bring to life the vibrant voices too often unheard,” said Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “From his earliest performances on our stage to his growing presence in film and television, he shows us that visibility matters, authenticity empowers, and a single voice—spoken with heart—can inspire an entire generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.”
This year’s event will bring together an inspiring mix of talent and community leaders, including host Kevin Ninh—better known to millions online as FlawlessKevin—and Tonatiuh, who will take part in a live Q&A exploring themes of belonging and representation. Together, they’ll celebrate creativity, visibility, and the power of young LGBTQ+ people to shape the future.
Models of Pride will feature interactive workshops, gaming lounges, carnival games, and delicious food for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), their friends, and families. The event also includes the Parents and Professionals Institute (PPI), offering parents, educators, and adult supporters a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and build community.
Models of Pride is made possible by our Senior sponsors Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, Glamazon L.A.—Amazon’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group, NYX Professional Makeup, and U.S. Bank, along with our Junior sponsor Yitty and Sophomore sponsor Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
For more information or to register, visit modelsofpride.org.
WHAT:
Models of Pride
The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Models of Pride returns for its 33rd year with a celebratory—and completely free—festival of love, acceptance and joy. The revamped Models of Pride summit features exciting and interactive activities, specially curated workshops, dancing and music, and show-stopping musical performances.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11AM-4PM
WHERE:
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Anita May Rosenstein Campus
1118 N. McCadden Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
*Event entrance located at 1151 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
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About Youth Services
The Center offers more wide-ranging services for underserved queer youth than any other organization, by helping thousands of LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger) every single year through housing, community events, outreach, and other supportive social services. Buttressed by the Center’s holistic model of care with programs like Health Services, Legal Services, and more, our program helps keep youth safe, healthy, and celebrated. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org/services/youth-services/
About the Los Angeles LGBT Center
Since 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBTQ+ people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBTQ+ people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org