“You see a queer, openly queer woman of color and Afro-Latina who found her strength in life through art. So to anybody who’s ever questioned your identity – ever, ever, ever – or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: there is indeed a place for us.” Ariana DeBose”
Ariana DeBose has an amazing resume. As a singer, dancer, and actor she has performed in a variety of productions. She has earned an Oscar, a British Academy Film Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony nomination, Although her career as an artist is very remarkable, perhaps her most impressive work has been as a role model and humanitarian.
While life is never easy, being part of one of the marginalized groups of society adds an extra layer of difficulty. Being part of more than one group can make life exponentially more difficult. For many, those difficulties seem insurmountable, resulting in a sense of hopelessness. As a woman, an Afro-Latina, and an openly queer person, Ariana DeBose had to overcome countless obstacles to earn the success she has achieved. When she made history by becoming the first openly queer woman of color to earn the Best Actress Academy Award, her acceptance speech was a beacon of hope encouraging others to reach for their dreams.
That wasn’t the first time DeBose inspired hope for those who feel they don’t belong. Her career has included roles that bring visibility to those society tries to shun, letting them know they are not alone. In The Prom, she portrayed a queer high school student struggling with coming out. She is currently working on Two and Only, a movie in which she will not only star, but will executive produce. This movie has been described as “a bisexual Latinx take on the ’90s classic My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
Her role in The Prom helped inspire her, along with her co-star Jo Ellen Pellman, to create the Unruly Hearts Initiative. DeBose and Pellman explained their reasons for creating this invaluable resource. “We created the Unruly Hearts Initiative for anyone who is driven to seek help or inspired to make a donation after watching THE PROM. Often when we’re overwhelmed and looking for help, we don’t know where to begin. The initiative connects our young audiences with trusted organizations that advocate for the LGBTQ+ community through resources for housing insecurity solutions, mental health access, and mentorship and education access.”
Already an amazing star, Ariana DeBose has only just begun to bring light and hope to millions. Her future is filled with endless possibilities. May she continue to overcome obstacles, break barriers, and dazzle the world with her incredible talents.
“ArianaDeBose I hate to say I told you so but I told you so! Your acceptance speech was so on the money, girl not to speak of touching! Onward and forward. Congratulations on the Oscar and all the many other acknowledgments you received this year. You have earned them!” Rita Moreno