The death of Maya Queen, the iconic character created by the talented Juan Luis Prado Serrano from Matanzas, has generated great shock in Cuba's artistic and LGBTIQA+ communities.
Since childhood, Prado dreamed of theater and dance, dedicating more than two decades to transformation to bring Maya Queen to life, a symbol of charisma and temperament, as reported by the platform "Alas Tensas" on Facebook.
"Transformism is a tribute to women," Pardo used to say, drawing inspiration from the artist Sadi and the figure of his mother, whom he regarded as a queen.
At just 14 years old, he began his journey in drag, facing prejudices and restrictions that forced him to perform in secret at the start. However, his determination marked a turning point in the history of drag in Cuba, as noted by “Alas Tensas.”
Maya Queen left an indelible mark on the Cuban cultural scene, being recognized with awards such as "Best of the Year" (2007 and 2008), "Miss Temperament of the City" (2013), and Queen at the Miss Cuba International Gay (2017).
His talent shone on stages such as Teatro El Portazo, El Dicho, Las Ruinas de Matasiete, and in iconic venues of Havana like El Amanecer and Las Vegas.
In addition to her art, Maya Queen will be remembered for her bravery and for being a symbol of perseverance and the fight for the visibility of the LGBTIQA+ community: “In my neighborhood, not many people know my name; however, everyone knows Maya,” she said proudly.
The departure of Maya Queen leaves an irreparable void, but her legacy transcends the stage and will continue to inspire future generations.
"Rest in peace. We will always remember you, Maya Queen, the great Queen of Temperament," the platform stated.
Social media has been filled in recent hours with deep and heartfelt messages of condolence.
Apostates Cuba stated on Facebook: “Maya Queen has passed away, an icon of acting and transformation in Cuba. Cuban theater and the LGBTIQA+ community are in mourning. The brilliant career of Juan Luis Prado and his tireless struggle for the visibility and rights of LGBTIQA+ individuals have left an indelible mark on our hearts. We will always remember his talent, courage, and dedication to our community.”
"I wish I could return that smile to you. Today Matanzas mourns, and the sky opens its doors to a star. It hurts me so much not to have been able to give you a kiss. Thank you for all the advice and for always supporting me. Today I will continue to raise my voice in your name. May God watch over you and guide you; we will meet again," said Lucero Gc.
On her part, Danna García posted on Facebook: "Rest in peace my beautiful love, my godfather, my mother, my everything. You will no longer be here as every day, we will no longer have that coffee that we loved so much, there will be no more nights of shows nor early mornings sewing the dresses you wore to shine like the star you are. You don’t know how much I feel your loss."
Several drag artists have passed away in 2024, leaving behind a great deal of pain and sorrow.
In July, La Habana said goodbye to "Paloma Dietrich," a renowned and beloved Cuban drag performer with over 35 years of artistic career.
Dietrich -known as "The Empress" and also as "The Great Lady"- passed away due to a renal condition that she could not overcome.
Known on social media as Josh Bellakito, the young drag artist from Havana passed away in May after a tough battle with cancer, a disease that ultimately defeated him, as reflected in the numerous expressions of condolence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Maya Queen and Drag Culture in Cuba
Who was Maya Queen and why is she important to the LGBTIQA+ community in Cuba?
Maya Queen was an iconic figure in Cuban drag, created by Juan Luis Prado Serrano. Her legacy is significant for her contribution to the visibility and acceptance of the LGBTIQA+ community in Cuba, embodying charisma, temperament, and perseverance in the fight for the rights of this community.
What were some of the notable achievements of Maya Queen in her artistic career?
Maya Queen was recognized with numerous awards such as "Best of the Year" in 2007 and 2008, "City's Miss Temperament" in 2013, and was crowned as Queen in the Miss Cuba International Gay in 2017. Her talent shone on iconic stages in Cuba, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural scene.
How did Maya Queen confront prejudices and restrictions in her early days in drag?
Maya Queen began her journey in drag secretly, due to the prejudices and restrictions of the time. However, her determination and passion for the art allowed her to overcome these barriers, becoming a reference point in Cuban drag and a symbol of the struggle and perseverance for the visibility of the LGBTIQA+ community.
What was the reaction of the community and social media to the death of Maya Queen?
The death of Maya Queen caused profound shock and grief within Cuba's artistic and LGBTIQA+ communities. Social media was flooded with heartfelt messages of condolences and tributes, highlighting her legacy and bravery. Artists and activists expressed their sorrow and admiration for her career and her tireless fight for the rights of the community.
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