Double exclusion, equal dignity – Washington Blade

Report on the Career and Advocacy of Alexis Fernández (Marytriny) in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report analyzes the career of artist Alexis Fernández, professionally known as Marytriny, focusing on his contributions to cultural discourse and alignment with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over a career spanning more than two decades, Fernández has utilized his platform as a drag performer to advocate for social change, community empowerment, and individual freedoms, thereby contributing to the advancement of several global objectives.

Analysis of Artistic Career and Social Impact

Origins and Cultural Significance

Alexis Fernández developed the persona of Marytriny in Miami, establishing a career outside of his native Cuba. His work has consistently served as a symbol of resistance and cultural identity. A pivotal moment in his career was his first and only performance in Cuba in 2014, where he embodied the celebrated singer Celia Cruz. This act was significant for several reasons:

• It challenged the historical suppression of both drag artistry and the work of exiled figures like Celia Cruz in Cuba.
• It represented a personal and collective act of reclamation and freedom of expression.
• It occurred during a period of political rapprochement, highlighting the role of art in bridging cultural and political divides.

Starting at the Azúcar Night Club, Marytriny became a cultural icon in Miami, expanding his influence from nightlife venues to mainstream media, including television series and documentary films.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The life and work of Alexis Fernández demonstrate a strong alignment with several SDGs, particularly those focused on health, equality, and justice.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Fernández’s journey has directly contributed to the promotion of health and the reduction of inequalities.

1. Public Health Advocacy: Following a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023, Fernández publicly shared his experience. This act of transparency served to raise awareness, destigmatize the illness, and encourage others to prioritize their health, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 3.
2. Championing Marginalized Voices: As an LGBTQ+ artist, Marytriny’s character provides a voice for communities that have faced systemic prejudice and silencing. This work is crucial for achieving SDG 10 by challenging discriminatory norms and advocating for the inclusion and empowerment of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. Community Solidarity: The community’s response to his health challenges underscored the importance of social support systems in promoting mental and physical well-being.

SDG 5: Gender Equality & SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Marytriny’s artistic expression is intrinsically linked to the goals of achieving gender equality and fostering just, inclusive societies.

• Challenging Gender Norms: The art of drag inherently questions rigid gender constructs, promoting a more fluid and inclusive understanding of identity. This contributes to the broader aims of SDG 5.
• Advocacy Against Transphobia: His participation in the 2024 Suncoast Regional Emmy-winning TV Martí production “Ser Trans” was a significant contribution to justice and human rights. The project exposed transphobia in Cuba and amplified the voices of a historically silenced demographic, aligning with SDG 16’s call for inclusive institutions and access to justice for all.
• Art as Peaceful Resistance: Fernández describes his character’s voice as one “full of silenced truths.” His art functions as a form of peaceful resistance against oppressive systems, using performance to advocate for personal liberty and freedom from prejudice, which are foundational principles of SDG 16.

Conclusion

Alexis “Marytriny” Fernández’s career transcends entertainment, positioning him as a significant advocate for social progress. His work directly supports the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health and well-being (SDG 3), advancing gender equality (SDG 5), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and contributing to a more just and peaceful society (SDG 16). Through discipline, authenticity, and a commitment to his community, Fernández has transformed his art into a powerful vehicle for change, leaving a legacy of resilience, love, and freedom.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article discusses Alexis Fernández’s personal health battle with a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2023. It highlights his journey through the illness and his message of hope, stating, “Esta enfermedad me sirvió para cambiar mi vida y mi forma de pensar, y para ayudar a otros a tomar conciencia, encontrar la fe y dejar un legado de amor.” This directly connects to promoting health awareness and well-being.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• The article centers on the art of drag (transformismo), which challenges traditional gender norms. Marytriny’s character is a voice for those who feel silenced and fights against prejudice from “muchos conservadores que nos siguen atacando.” The discussion of the documentary “Ser Trans,” which exposed transphobia in Cuba, further links the article’s themes to the broader goal of achieving equality and ending discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The narrative focuses on the struggles and triumphs of an individual from a marginalized community (LGBTQ+). Marytriny is described as an “ícono de comunidad y símbolo de resistencia” and “la voz de muchos que no saben cuál es el camino para encontrar sus libertades.” The article contrasts the lack of freedom in Cuba, where her art was “prohibido y silenciado,” with the opportunities in Miami, highlighting the issue of inequality based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and place.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article touches upon the lack of fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, in Cuba. It mentions that Marytriny’s art was “prohibido y silenciado” on the island. Her one performance there is described as an “acto de rebeldía.” The documentary “Ser Trans” is celebrated for recovering “las voces que por décadas habían sido silenciadas,” which directly relates to ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms as a component of just societies.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

• Alexis Fernández’s decision to publicly share his cancer diagnosis to “ayudar a otros a tomar conciencia” directly supports the prevention and awareness aspect of this target. His message of finding faith and changing his life also promotes mental well-being in the face of serious illness.

Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of … other status.

• Marytriny’s story is a clear example of social and cultural inclusion. From her beginnings at Azúcar Night Club to starring in television series and films, she achieved visibility and became a “referencia cultural” and a “voz y presencia de comunidad,” empowering others who were silenced.

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

• The article implicitly addresses this target by contrasting the discriminatory environment in Cuba, where drag was “prohibido y silenciado,” with the relative freedom in Miami that allowed Marytriny to flourish. The documentary “Ser Trans” exposing transphobia is a direct effort to combat discriminatory practices.

Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms…

• This target is relevant to the theme of artistic censorship in Cuba. Marytriny’s inability to perform there initially reflects a denial of the fundamental freedom of expression. The documentary “Ser Trans” winning an Emmy award signifies a victory for public access to information, as it “recuperó las voces que por décadas habían sido silenciadas.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Implied Indicator: Public awareness and personal testimonies regarding health issues.

• Alexis’s public statement about his cancer diagnosis and his desire to “ayudar a otros a tomar conciencia” serves as a qualitative indicator of progress in health promotion (related to Target 3.4).

Implied Indicator: Representation of marginalized groups in media and cultural platforms.

• Marytriny’s successful career, including roles in Telemundo’s “Decisiones,” América TV’s “La Flor de Hialeah,” and various films and documentaries, is a tangible measure of increased visibility and social inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community (related to Target 10.2).

Implied Indicator: Recognition of artistic work that addresses discrimination and silenced histories.

• The Suncoast Regional Emmy award won by the documentary “Ser Trans” is a specific, verifiable indicator. The article notes the award was “la constatación de que esas historias tenían un valor innegable y que ya no podían ser relegadas al silencio,” measuring progress in protecting fundamental freedoms and ensuring access to information (related to Target 16.10).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: washingtonblade.com