Honoring drag royalty: Celebrating Alexis Fernández, a beacon in a vibrant community
Come September 5th, Miami will pay tribute not just with candles and cheers, but with deep admiration, honoring Alexis Fernández—better known as Marytriny, our Empress. Her birthday isn't just a date on a calendar; it's a celebration bursting with life, freedom, and authenticity. What a journey it has been—a tapestry woven with resilience, challenges, and inspiration.
A journey from Miami's warmth, then back again
Launching from Miami—a bustling hub teeming with culture and opportunity—Marytriny's story found its wings. 2014 was a turning point, when destiny nudged her towards Cuba. Amidst her mother battling illness, a chance emerged with an invite from Raúl de la Rosa, beckoning her talents at Teatro América. That performance lined up with a historic political moment as President Obama's outreach began mending ties with Havana.
Marytriny's portrayal channeled Celia Cruz's unmatched spirit so powerfully that it struck a director with awe—it felt like Celia herself was there. Since her departure in 1960, Celia Cruz never set foot in Cuba, except during a brief balsero crisis performance at Guantanamo. Meanwhile, Marytriny was crafting her own beautiful rebellion, planting seeds in a garden that long needed tending.
Finding her voice: The early days in Miami
The early chapters at Miami's Azúcar Night Club were more than just steps; they were leaps that would mark Marytriny's rise as a cultural icon. She fondly recalls those turbulent yet exhilarating beginnings:
“Everything felt new, strange even. But through uncertainty, a haven unfolded where I connected with people from all walks. My Cuban essence—joy mingled with nostalgia—became a bridge in this diverse city. It was my authenticity that sparkled, casting a spell on audiences. Twenty-six years later, that love hasn't waned. It flourished from their warmth and appreciation.”
Beyond cabaret: Marytriny's artistic expansion
But Marytriny's artistry couldn't be confined. Telemundo's “Decisiones,” and América TV's “La Flor de Hialeah,” beckoned. Her talent graced documentaries and films exploring Celia Cruz's legacy, proving her versatility. Marytriny reflects on widening her horizons:
“My voice has grown, a beacon shining amidst a sea seeking freedom and self-love. Bringing that voice through my character wasn't always easy amid conservative pushback, but we push forward.”
Overcoming life's trials: Battling cancer with courage
The road wasn't always smooth. In 2023, Alexis faced a daunting prostate cancer diagnosis. Unflinchingly, she shared her battle online, bolstered by overwhelming support. Post-surgery, a white rose stood in her home—a serene symbol whispering faith and renewal.
As 2024 rolled in, Marytriny appeared in “Ser Trans,” a TV Martí production amplifying voices against Cuban transphobia. Garnering a Suncoast Regional Emmy, it underscored these stories' potency. Reflecting on her health ordeal, she muses:
“Trials come, but God chooses His warriors. This challenge was pivotal, prompting a shift in heart and mind. Faith became my compass, my legacy steeped in love. Tolerance and steadfastness are keys; love returns with interest when given freely.”
A legacy that sings love and defiance
With Alexis's birthday around corner, we aren't just celebrating a seasoned performer; but a mentor and essential voice in our community. Every time Marytriny steps out, she doesn't just fill a role—she channels art's power, harmonizing freedom and identity.
So on September 5th, as candles flicker and she makes her wish, Alexis will share this day with all who've laughed, cried, and discovered pieces within themselves through Marytriny. Her life? An everlasting act in love and defiance, depicting something transcendent—an empress whose radiance outshines even stars.
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