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2026 Somos Estrellas Honorees
Michael Lara
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Michael Lara has dedicated much of his adult life to serving the LGBTQ+, leather, and San Fernando Valley communities.
For nearly three decades, Michael has owned and operated The Bullet Bar in North Hollywood, creating a welcoming gathering place for the community. He is also the founder and CEO of The Foundation and established the Bullet Bar Pantry and LALC LA Cares to provide food and essential assistance to people in need.
Michael’s community leadership includes serving as an elected member of the Mid-Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council and as a former board member of the Los Angeles Leather Coalition. He currently serves as a board member and treasurer of Encuerado Weekend.
An honorary member of California B&B and a member of PCM
California is a unique state of opportunity, ingenuity, and forward-thinking, defined by its diverse people who all share common desires: a good life, fair wages, quality education, affordable housing, and safety. We envision a California where everyone belongs, thrives, and contributes.
Our solution lies in our values of inclusivity and community. Over decades, we've fought for policies that protect immigrants, prioritize rehabilitation, increase wages, improve education, build affordable housing, safeguard the environment, and provide healthcare for all.
Now, we must be bolder and unite across differences. We need a multiracial, multigenerational, multi-issue movement to create the California we dream of. We are not the movement of the left but the movement at the front. We are California, and together, we can build a future where everyone belongs, is safe, can afford to live, and thrives.
Calypso Jete
Calypso Jeté Balmain is an iconic voguer, drag queen, trans activist, and founding mother of the West Coast House of Balmain. She won Season 1 of the HBO Max ballroom competition show [Legendary] and leads the Haus of Jeté as a prominent drag mother and mentor.
Actively works as a trans advocate, partnering with community organizations like Trans Lifeline and health initiatives to uplift the LGBTQ+ and trans communities.
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