Eric Lee Discusses Being Gay Artist In Tejano Industry, Hopes To Inspire Others

Eric Lee is an emerging artist in Tejano music. The third-generation singer released his debut Tejano single, “Tejano Pop,” in March as he embarks on a solo career after spending a few years as a vocalist for his family band, Los Desperadoz. Eric Lee opened up about being part of the LGBTQ+ community in the Tejano industry in an interview with the Girls Talk Y Más Podcast during Gay Pride Month.

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“Being gay in the industry is — as an individual artist it’s been more of a success. Being a gay artist with Deseperadoz was the toughest experience ever,” said Eric Lee. “I also understand that I’m in an industry that is very machismo but it was tough back then. As an individual artist, being able to be a lot more free, showcase my personality, showcase my style, showcase all my concepts, everything to do it as an artist. I feel like now I feel so proud to be accepted in a machismo industry.”

The San Antonio singer is one of a few openly gay Tejano artists but he hopes to be an inspiration for others.

“It’s tough but I wear it with a badge of honor because I truly believe God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers and I truly believe that if anybody is strong enough to power through this it’s going to me because my ultimate goal was to be — I didn’t have an Eric Lee to look at growing up to make me feel good,” he said. “I want to be that for kids, boys, girls, they, them, whatever. Be that for them and show them that you can still be true to your roots without having to stop being gay. Be yourself and that’s been my goal, is to bring Tejano culture to the gay world.”

With the success of the Tejano ranchera, “Tejano Pop,” Eric Lee plans to release another Tejano single soon.

Listen to the full interview with Eric Lee on the Girls Talk Y Más Podcast:

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Eric Lee released a five-song EP, Toda La Noche, in 2021. The project was produced by award-winning hitmaker Gabriel Zavala and was filled with different genres of music from pop Cumbia to dance. Now, the talented vocalist is forging his own path in the Tejano music industry with his unique sound, Tejano with a pop spin.

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