Los Angeles LGBT Center to Honor Breakout Queer Artist Cain Culto at Fourth Annual Queerceañera
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The Latine multidisciplinary artist and violinist will headline the Center’s Queerceañera on Sept. 26, joining co-honoree Suzy Exposito, editor of the LA Times’ De Los section.
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Presented by Gilead Sciences
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LOS ANGELES, August 31, 2026 — The Los Angeles LGBT Center today announced multidisciplinary artist and trained violinist Cain Culto as the headlining honoree for its fourth annual Queerceañera, taking place Saturday, Sept. 26, at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza in Hollywood. Cain Culto will be on hand to receive the award and deliver an electrifying performance.
Known for his bold, genre-defying approach to music and visual art, Culto draws from his Colombian and Nicaraguan heritage, Kentucky upbringing, and queer identity to create a sound he calls “Kentucky Latin Art-Pop.” A trained violinist and multidisciplinary artist, Culto blends influences from Appalachian folk and bluegrass with Colombian musical traditions including vallenato and bullerengue, pairing them with lyrics and imagery that explore identity, sexuality, religion, and self-expression.
“To be recognized by the Los Angeles LGBT Center alongside a community that celebrates our heritage and freedom of expression means so much to me,” said headline honoree Cain Culto. “In my work, I highlight the intersectional aspects of my identity and it has been so special to bond with others about our shared experiences. Siempre Contigo feels especially personal because it reminds me of the loved ones that have found me in all the different seasons of life. Even in the loneliest moments, there have always been arms to guide me and shoulders to lean on.”
This year’s theme, Siempre Contigo (“Always With You”), takes inspiration from the people, places, and traditions that remain with us as we grow. The hummingbird at the center of this year’s Queerce imagery symbolizes ancestry, resilience, and connection across generations, reflecting the ways queer Latine communities honor where they come from while continuing to forge new paths.
Culto began studying violin while attending Lexington’s School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA), where he built a foundation for his artistic practice that spans music and visual storytelling. After relocating to Los Angeles, his work became a space to explore his queer identity and reflect on his relationship with the communities and traditions that shaped him. His latest music intentionally draws inspiration from his Colombian, Nicaraguan, and Kentucky roots, weaving these unique influences together into something distinctly his own.
Now in its fourth year, Queerceañera is expanding its mission as a signature philanthropic event, with proceeds benefitting the Center’s programs and services. This year’s gathering will spotlight queer Latine leaders and cultural tastemakers while bringing together artists, community members, and supporters for an evening of music, performance, hospitality, and connection.
Culto joins previously announced honoree Suzy Exposito, an award-winning journalist and cultural tastemaker recognized for her contributions to journalism and commitment to elevating LGBTQ+ Latine voices. Culto and Exposito will each be recognized onstage during the evening, with Culto also taking the stage for a special performance.
“Cain’s work speaks to the heart of Siempre Contigo—the roots, stories, and identity that connect us to one another and shape who we become,” said Oliver DelGado, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and founder of Queerceañera. “Through his music and art, Cain embraces the fullness of his identity with boldness and originality, creating space for queer and trans Latine Angelenos to see themselves and their possibilities reflected back. We’re thrilled to welcome Cain as this year’s Queerceañera headliner and to recognize him alongside Suzy Exposito—two extraordinary voices celebrating the creativity and breadth of queer Latine experiences today.”
Since its debut in 2023, Queerceañera has grown into the Center’s signature Latine Heritage Month tradition spotlighting queer Latine leaders, artists, and changemakers. Inspired by the traditional quinceañera, Queerce reimagines the coming-of-age tradition as an inclusive queer community cotillion centered on pride and belonging.
More information about Queerceañera, including event details and ticket information, can be found at lalgbtcenter.org/Queerce. Press interested in covering the event are encouraged to contact [email protected].
Presented by Gilead Sciences, Queerceañera is also made possible by Official Sponsor United Airlines.
WHAT
Queerceañera
The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s annual celebration of queer Latine culture in honor of Latine Heritage Month.
WHEN
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
5:30–10 p.m.
WHERE
Los Angeles LGBT Center
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
1125 N. McCadden Place
Los Angeles 90038
TICKETS
Purchase tickets at lalgbtcenter.org/Queerce
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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.