Is Selena Gomez Latina? That’s probably a question that has been asked more than a few times. She is definitely one of the most recognizable names in entertainment, and unsurprisingly to many, she has Latin roots on her father’s side. Born on July 22, 1992, in Texas, Selena has often spoken about how proud she is of her Mexican heritage, which has had a big impact on her life and career.
Her father, Ricardo Joel Gómez, is of Mexican descent. He was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, but his family has roots in Monterrey, in northern Mexico. Through him, Selena grew up immersed in Latin culture, experiencing family traditions that reflected her Mexican background.
Even though her mother, Mandy Teefey, is of Italian descent, it’s her dad’s Latin heritage that has had a more visible influence on her identity. The artist has mentioned in interviews that, although she’s not fluent in Spanish, Mexican culture has always been a big part of her life and who she is.
Proudly Latina
Throughout her career, Selena has worked to connect with her Latin audience. A great example of this was her role in the animated film Hotel Transylvania, where she voiced the character Mavis. She also gave interviews to Latin media and spoke in Spanish, even though she admits it’s not her first language.
In 2020, Selena also shared a heartfelt message in a video for the organization Define American, speaking to young immigrant graduates who had to celebrate remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. She then took the opportunity to talk about her immigrant family’s experience and her Mexican roots.
When my family came here from Mexico they set into motion my American story, as well as theirs. I’m a proud third-generation American-Mexican, and my family’s journey and their sacrifices helped me get me to where I am today.”
Selena has often talked about wanting to explore her Latin roots further and hopes to better represent her community in the entertainment industry. For her, her heritage is something she’s deeply proud of, and even though she grew up in the U.S., she’s always kept a strong connection to Mexico.
Spanish EP
In 2021, Selena released her first Spanish-language EP, Revelación, which was warmly received by her Latin fans and gave her the chance to reconnect with her roots in a more personal way. The project was a major milestone in her career, as it was her first work entirely in Spanish.
Her strong connection to her heritage has made Selena an inspiration to many young Latinos. She’s the perfect example that it’s possible to embrace and celebrate your roots while building a successful career in the global entertainment industry.
