On March 16, Miami’s Latinx drag community lost one of its own.
Danilo Dominguez, known as Miami’s Latina drag queen of comedy Mariloly, died after a long health battle. March 15 — the evening before her death — at the Trail Theater in Coral Gables, local drag entertainers celebrated the 25-year career of Alexis “Marytrini” Fernandez y las Divas del Jacuzzi (the Jacuzzi Divas) with nearly three hours of drag performances and comedy skits. In the middle of the show, a special tribute was held for Mariloly, including a testimonial from Marytrini and an onstage montage of video and pictures celebrating four decades of the pioneer transformist and gender illusionist. At the time, Marytrini said she was still holding out hope that Mariloly would make a miraculous recovery. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and the drag icon died the following afternoon.
Mariloly immigrated from Cuba in 1980 via the Mariel boatlift and quickly made a name for herself at Teatro de Bellas Artes in Little Havana, hosting the weekly “Midnight Follies” cross-dressing review.
“Mariloly not only gave us countless moments of laughter and joy with her unmatched wit and talent, but she was also a symbol of bravery and authenticity for the LGBTQ+ community,” Marytrini said. “As a pioneer of cross-dressing in the City of the Sun, she broke barriers and opened paths with her art, her charisma and her ability to connect with the public from truth and passion. Her presence on stage was a celebration of diversity and the freedom to be yourself, becoming a reference and an inspiration for many, on and off stage.”
The funeral service was held on March 23 at the Caballero Rivero Sunset funeral home, located at 7753 SW 117th Ave., Miami. Family, friends and admirers were able to honor Mariloly’s memory and say their final goodbyes. Marytrini said “it is an occasion to remember his extraordinary artistic career, his infinite generosity and the love he always gave us.”
“With hearts full of gratitude and nostalgia, we join together to say goodbye to Danilo Domínguez, the unforgettable Mariloly, our beloved Queen of Comedy in Miami, who is leaving a void impossible to fill in the world of art and in the hearts of those who loved and admired her,” Marytrini said. “We say goodbye to Mariloly with the certainty that her spirit will live forever in every smile she caused, in every applause she received and in every heart she touched.”
Marytrini says Mariloly’s “artistic and human imprint will remain as a reminder that comedy, authenticity and love are forces capable of healing and uniting us.”
“On behalf of his family, we appreciate the love and support received during this difficult time,” Marytrini said. “We invite all who loved her to join us to celebrate a life that, although departed too soon, left an indelible mark on our lives. Mariloly, your art and your laughter will be eternal. May the echo of eternal applause accompany you forever.”
Published with permission from miamilgbtnews.wordpress.com.
