The death this weekend in Havana of "Paloma Dietrich," a well-known and beloved Cuban drag queen with over 35 years of artistic career, has left a trail of pain and shock among her friends and acquaintances.
Dietrich - known as "The Empress" and also as "The Great Lady" - passed away as a result of a kidney ailment that she could not overcome.
A Facebook post by Amed Corzo Amorós on July 9th requested help for Paloma. It was not a request for financial assistance, but for medical support.
The following day, on July 10, a post thanked the concern of Paloma's friends and followers and specified that she had been admitted to a hospital in Havana.
However, it is a fact that Paloma Dietrich, who earned the affection and respect of the drag community in Cuba for more than three decades, could not overcome her illness.
The beloved drag performer was mourned by her loved ones at the funeral home on Calzada and K in El Vedado, Havana.
In the last few hours, numerous posts on social media reflect the love and admiration that Paloma inspired as she passed by.
Today one of the Great Divas of Cuban Transformism, Paloma Dietrich, passed away in Havana. I had the honor of sharing words with her and interviewing her in 2016. I also fully enjoyed her art, which left many speechless when they saw 'the Grand Dame,' as I fondly named her during our encounter," wrote journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on social media.
Today I cry your departure to immortality, but all of us who love you will remember you as who you are, 'the Great Lady of Cuban Transformismo,' added the popular communicator from Santiago.
I will always remember you like this. Life can be tricky. I never imagined this was going to happen. You know how much I love you, and it hurts me deeply not to see you again. That's why I hold on to these memories of so many joyful moments. I keep your teachings, your craziness, and your jokes," wrote the internet user identified on social media as "Julio Ong," a resident living abroad.
With a lump in my throat and a broken heart, I bid you farewell, my friend, my sister, my mother. Even though I am far away, I was there every moment. It hurts not being able to see you again and enjoy your craziness. I will miss you a lot, my Paloma Dietrich," Julio Ong said in another emotional post from a distance.
The loss of a loved one plunges us into a torrent of emotions, where pain and longing intertwine with the most cherished memories. In these difficult times, words become a balm that embraces the heart, offering comfort and strength to those who walk the path of grief," wrote Concha La Cubanísima Aranxtha del Sol from the United States on Facebook.
Even though you are no longer here physically, your legacy will endure in our lives. Your physical absence does not dim the brightness of your soul in our hearts. In memory remains the echo of your laughter and the warmth of your embrace," he added.
The list of farewell messages and messages of admiration left on social media in the last few hours following the physical disappearance of Paloma Dietrich is truly overwhelming.
"I would tell all people that we are human beings, with or without flaws, which I don't consider a flaw. I am a human being and I have feelings, I am flesh and blood. I am not a doll. I like to be treated as what I am, as a person," pointed out Paloma in an interview that a heartfelt audiovisual tribute has brought back to light following her death.
"I would like to be an artist that people recognize, that they know who I am, that I exist, what I do, knowing that my work is liked. For me, that is the most cherished dream of my life," added a very young Paloma and, in light of the many who remember her today in her death, it is clear that her dream came true.
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