Man, here we go. Terra named gossip blogger Perez Hilton their “Hispanic of the Year.”. But not before they named him “Most Powerful Gay Latino U.S.” Which is likely true, because Mr. Hispanic At The Disco over here is certainly the most visible gay Latino we know - appearing online, on TV, in magazines, over the radio and on wrinkled posters strewn into the corners of various lonely Hot Topic stores across the U.S. To bolster this title, Terra offered Out’s list of the most influential gay people in the U.S, on which Perez appears as number 16.

We’re slightly surprised that anyone’s decided name Perez a “top” anything. Look, he’s good at being famous. And he happens to be Latino. But we’re not sure what he’s done for Latinos, especially Gay Latinos, except to continuously try and force Ricky Martin and Michelle Rodriguez out of the closet. And that’s like, “Yeah, thanks.” Being gay and being Latino are political, sure. But they’re not for others to politicize to suit their own agenda, if that makes sense.

So, yeah. “Hispanic of the Year?” That honor should go to someone who has made visible efforts to help Latinos other than one’s own self, who has thoughts and a platform other than one’s one “media empire” to promote and who provides a positive role model and outspoken mouthpiece for the Latino community. There’s more to being Latino than using Spanglish in a blog post and having the last name “Lavendeira.” Can’t we differentiate between “popular” and “successful?” Shit, don’t get us wrong. We’d love to have a Cuba Libre with Perez and talk about the way Paris’ voice changes from “little girl” to “man” depending on whether she’s aware that a camera’s on her. But he’s got nothing to with Latinos, save his heritage. And that’s simply not enough.

Seriously, can’t we find better representatives of what it means to be a successful Latino in the U.S? Someone, like. Um. Jessica Alba? Daddy Yankee? Or…

Hispanic of the Year [Perez Hilton]
The most powerful gay latino in the US [Terra]