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Drag artist performs in Mexico prison during Pride march
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Drag artist performs in Mexico prison during Pride march

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Camila Phoenyx, an inmate at Santa Martha Acatitla men's prison, performed a drag show during the facility's fifth Pride march.
  • The performance, featuring elaborate costumes and choreography, was made possible through months of planning and personal cost due to strict limitations on bringing materials into the prison.
  • Phoenyx, who has been in pre-trial detention for over two years, stated that performing drag within the penitentiary was a personal victory and a testament to her resilience.

Camila Phoenyx, an inmate at Santa Martha Acatitla men's prison, brought a touch of glamour and resilience to the facility's fifth Pride march with a captivating drag performance. For over two years, Phoenyx has been awaiting trial, but she has found a way to express her identity and artistry within the prison walls.

By doing it, I already won, by doing drag in the penitentiary, I already won.

— Camila PhoenyxThe artist expressed her personal victory in performing drag within the prison.

Performing to hits by Ariana Grande and Britney Spears, Phoenyx transformed into a showgirl, complete with a long red wig, colorful makeup, and a sparkling yellow outfit. Her eight years of experience performing drag in bars and on stages were evident in her confident presence. "By doing it, I already won, by doing drag in the penitentiary, I already won," Phoenyx told EL UNIVERSAL.

The performance was part of an event organized by the Trans Collective for the Freedom to Be and Decide, in coordination with the Inclusive Christian Mission and the Penitentiary System. Phoenyx acknowledged the significant challenges of performing drag as an incarcerated individual. "Makeup and costumes don't enter 'the peni,' and what I used, made of mirrors and sequins, for my show in front of the Santa Martha community, 'it comes in as it goes out.' It's complicated; we pay for everything. We have to get permits months in advance; it's complicated due to the limitations."

It's complicated; we pay for everything. We have to get permits months in advance; it's complicated due to the limitations.

— Camila PhoenyxPhoenyx described the difficulties of organizing and performing drag shows in prison.

Rehearsals take place on the prison's esplanade when there are no visitors, allowing Phoenyx to play music and fully immerse herself in the art form. "Everything is effort, rehearsal, and dedication." She described drag as evolving from a hobby to therapy and then a source of income for her family. "When I entered, it was very difficult because with drag 'you have to make people feel, but I couldn't' given the change of being inside. 'I saw it was impossible, but I already did it,'" she recounted.

Everything is effort, rehearsal, and dedication.

— Camila PhoenyxShe explained the hard work involved in preparing for her performances.

Phoenyx, along with fellow inmates Arleth, Samuel, Estrella, Mandragora, and Lady Fox, led the Diversity March 2026 at Santa Martha Acatitla and was crowned queen. The event also featured music from artists like Laura León, Karol G, Cazzu, and María José, bringing joy to the diverse community within the Santa Martha Acatitla men's prison.

When I entered, it was very difficult because with drag 'you have to make people feel, but I couldn't' given the change of being inside. 'I saw it was impossible, but I already did it,'

— Camila PhoenyxPhoenyx reflected on the initial challenges of performing drag after being incarcerated.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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