The bright side of news that offers online readers only the latest good, happy and positive news
We will soon migrate to BLUAZ.COM

Major Win: This newscaster is making LGBTQ+ history in Mexican television by delivering the news in drag | A Reason to Smile

Why this story matters: Statistical trends often tell a different story than the nightly news, pointing toward a world that is gradually becoming safer, healthier, and more efficient. This piece examines a specific case study that supports this broader, more optimistic view.

Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to newscaster, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results.

Every on-air journalist sits in a makeup chair before a broadcast, but reporter Guillermo Barraza’s routine is more transformative than most.

With a bright wig, fabulous outfit, and flawless makeup, Barraza slips away into Amanda Drag for “La Verdrag,” a news program “where minorities turn into a majority.”

The show, which is filmed in Mexico City, combines investigative reporting with interviews that highlight LGBTQ+ celebrities and residents. The Canal Once program gives visibility to a local queer community that faces daily harassment and prejudice.

“In this country, no one is safe,” Barraza told LGBTQ Nation. “The more visible you are, the more you want to fight for change, the more you put a target on your own chest. And if we have to put our lives on the line, that’s what we’ll do, because we won’t let fear win.”

Photo for the article This newscaster is making LGBTQ+ history in Mexican television by delivering the news in drag
Image via Guillermo Barraza

Mexico has the second-highest death rates in the world for journalists, and Barraza sees a barrage of death threats flood their inbox every day. But the Amanda Drag persona allows Barraza to be brave in the face of violence.

“There are many things that Guillermo wouldn’t do or say that Amanda wouldn’t think twice about,” Barraza said. “Having an alter ego, you have fewer problems because they can’t harass a character. You have more freedom to speak out.”

A version of this article originally appeared in the 2024 Pride Edition of the Goodnewspaper

You may also like: This Florida drag queen doubles as a marine animal conservationist: 'Steve Irwin was my biggest inspiration growing up'

Header image via Guillermo Barraza


BluAZ.com curates positive and solution-focused stories from trusted sources around the world.

Please be good and do not spam. Thank you.

Newer Stories Previous Stories