Why Every Latina Should Aspire to be More Like Frida

Frida Kahlo was one of the most iconic Mexican artists of the 20th century whose brilliant self-portraits boasted absolute uniqueness with every stroke. Kahlo’s unique art expressed symbolism and her deep-rooted Mexican culture.

She is renowned around the world for her impressive autobiographical art and inspiring life story, laden with ups and downs. Born on July 6, 1907, the undisputed Latina icon married fellow communist artist Diego Rivera in 1929. In addition to her art, Kahlo has a life story that has become almost as popular as her iconic art. Her eccentric attitude, distinct fashion, bold eyebrows, and marriage to the much older Diego Rivera, added intrigue to her life story. As a child, she survived polio but it damaged her right hip and foot. At age 18, Kahlo was involved in a bus accident in which she suffered several serious injuries, including a broken collarbone, a dislocated shoulder and fractures in her spine, pelvis, and legs. There are many other interesting attributes that make Frida Kahlo a global brand. The undisputed thing is that Frida Kahlo is an icon with millions of admirers not only in Latin America but also around the globe.

Frida Kahlo’s life story is a depiction of uniqueness, brilliance, and resilience. The fact that she conquered her struggles, disabilities, and disease to become one of the greatest Mexican artists makes her an inspirational figure for the modern-day Latina. Although she spent most of her life in severe pain, Kahlo lived out her life with passion and defied the physical agony to do what she loved most. Of her 143 paintings, 55 are self-portraits which she painted when she was bedridden for multiple surgeries. Kahlo’s perseverance, despite the challenges she went through, is an important lesson for the modern-day Latina. All the bad luck from a broken relationship to the nearly fatal accident to the inability to have children did not break her strength. Kahlo demonstrates that no matter the kind of barriers you experience in your life as a Latina, you can overcome them with endurance.

Frida Kahlo was a radical who defied society’s beauty standards to create her own version of beauty. She was also unapologetically bisexual. As a strong-minded woman, Kahlo expressed her unique identity fearlessly. This is another lesson for Latinas, particularly the LGBT community. With the kind of stigma and discrimination that LGBT members face around the world, Kahlo’s unapologetic attitude is an inspiration for LGBT Latinas to accept their identities no matter the opinions of other people.

Every modern-day Latina should aspire to live like Frida Khalo. Apart from defining her own beauty, Kahlo was a strong and independent woman. She transcended societal barriers to study medicine, something which was not a norm during her time, and she defined her own unique voice with no apologies. Even with the several miscarriages she had, it could not break her spirit. Latinas also experience the same challenges that Kahlo surpassed. Latinas should seek to be strong-minded and independent like Frida Kahlo, and express themselves for what they believe in.

If you haven't done so already make sure you pick up What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly by Ariana Davis. And, check out Latina Made Not Maid's book club discussion with Ariana HERE.