Shelly Lares has just released a Pride single — but the Tejano icon says she's "not only talking to gay people."
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"We gotta go get it, yall. Like it says in the song, be free, live and have the time of your life," Lares, 50, said during arelease party in San Antonio.
"Break Through"is an uptempo pop song featuring singer Eric Lee and rapper Squishy. It's highlighted by Lares' deep, soulful delivery and a singalong chorus.
"For those that feel confused/For those that feel afraid/Now is the time to break through," Lares says during the song's intro.
Lares, who has a girlfriend of several years, has been vocal in her support for the LGBTQ+ community. She also has a line ofPride merch. She is currently on her final tour and will leave music behind to focus on a career as a nurse. She has won the Tejano Music Awards for female vocalist and female entertainer of the year multiple times.
The release of a Pride-designated song by a Tejano artist is a big deal. Even today, Tejano continues to be a male-dominated genre. Openly gay singers are a rarity.