Liniker Breaks Barriers as First Transgender Winner with Seven Nominations at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards

Brazil’s Liniker Carvalho has once again rewritten the narrative for LGBTQIA+ artists on one of the world’s biggest music stages. At the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards, Liniker became the first transgender artist to win a Latin Grammy, earning seven nominations—including major “Big Four” categories such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. This moment is not only a personal milestone for Liniker, but a cultural victory for transgender people and the broader LGBTQIA+ community within Latin music.

Liniker’s celebrated album “Caju” received a nod for Album of the Year, while her single “Ao Teu Lado” garnered nominations for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. These accolades mark the first time a transgender artist has broken into these general categories at the Latin Grammys, confirming Liniker’s impact well beyond Brazil’s Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) scene and into the international spotlight.

Upon accepting her award, Liniker addressed the audience with emotion: “I am a Brazilian singer, songwriter, actress… It is the first time that a transgender artist wins a Grammy,” she stated, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. On social media, she reflected on the significance of the moment, writing, “What a giant, important and significant space the record of my dreams reached… This award is the result of a lot of dedication, work, and a wonderful team… I’m immensely happy!”.

Liniker first rose to prominence as the frontwoman of Liniker e os Caramelows, earning her initial Latin Grammy nomination in 2019 for the album “Goela Abaixo.” Following the group’s dissolution, she launched a solo career and released “Indigo Borboleta Anil” in 2021, which won Best MPB Album at the 2022 Latin Grammys, making her the first transgender artist to win at the event.

Liniker publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2017 after previously describing her gender as fluid. Her openness about her identity and her artistry has inspired audiences in Brazil and beyond, positioning her as a leading figure for trans visibility in a region where LGBTQIA+ rights and recognition remain contested.

Liniker’s achievement is part of a growing trend of LGBTQIA+ artists gaining recognition at the Latin Grammys. Puerto Rican singer Kany García, who is openly lesbian, has won seven Latin Grammys. Mexican artist Joy Huerta, half of the duo Jesse & Joy, is also openly LGBTQIA+, with six awards. Other influential artists include Ricky Martin, Anitta, Kali Uchis, Ludmilla, Mon Laferte, Dominican nonbinary artist Rita Indiana, and Venezuelan transgender producer Arca. Their visibility and success help foster greater inclusion and representation for LGBTQIA+ people across Latin America and the global music industry.

The significance of Liniker’s victory is underscored by Brazil’s growing LGBTQIA+ population. While the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reported in 2022 that about 2.9 million adults identified as homosexual or bisexual, independent studies suggest the figure could be much higher. A 2022 Pride Research collaboration between Havaianas and DataFolha found that 9.3% of Brazilians aged 16 and over identify as LGBTQIA+, amounting to approximately 15.5 million people.

Liniker’s Grammy success represents a major step in challenging the historical underrepresentation of transgender people in Latin music and entertainment. As an openly transgender woman of color, her visibility sends a powerful message to young LGBTQIA+ audiences, showing that authenticity and talent can drive change even in traditionally conservative spaces.

The impact of Liniker’s win reverberates far beyond the awards ceremony. Her presence in mainstream Latin music encourages record labels, producers, and fellow artists to embrace diversity and nurture LGBTQIA+ talent. It also amplifies conversations about inclusion and respect, both within the industry and among fans.

The Latin Recording Academy’s recognition of Liniker is widely seen as a milestone for greater inclusivity. Past barriers for transgender artists have included limited access to major label support, underrepresentation in media, and societal stigma. The Academy’s decision to honor Liniker’s artistry and identity signals a shift towards a more equitable and representative future for Latin music.

Music journalists and LGBTQIA+ advocates have lauded Liniker’s achievement, noting that her journey will inspire other transgender artists to pursue their dreams and challenge existing norms. As Liniker herself said after her win, “This award is the result of a lot of dedication, work, and a wonderful team… I’m immensely happy!”.

Looking ahead, Liniker’s success is expected to open doors for more transgender and nonbinary artists at the Latin Grammys and beyond. The growing presence of LGBTQIA+ musicians in Latin America’s cultural sphere points to a future where gender identity and sexual orientation are celebrated as integral aspects of artistic expression.

Liniker’s groundbreaking achievements at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards mark a turning point for transgender visibility and LGBTQIA+ representation in Latin music. By earning seven nominations and becoming the first transgender artist to win a Latin Grammy, Liniker has paved the way for future generations of artists to thrive in spaces that were once inaccessible. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, talent, and authenticity, and a beacon of hope for LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide.