Meet Ariesela Diaz | Trans Performer & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariesela Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariesela, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m a true Cuban city girl from Miami. I was raised primarily by immigrant Afro-Latina women consisting of a team of my mother and my tía & abuela from my father’s side despite their biological relation. My mother was intellectually challenged and it took a long time for me to understand some of the obstacles we faced trying to understand one another growing up, however through this she taught me the unifying power of empathy: the force that connects us all in this human experience. Mi abuela was my world. Coming from the Caribbean, her love for me expanded her perspectives and she learned to embrace my emotions and the femininity she saw in me as a child. She’s an incredible woman whose impact and presence so great her children nor grandchildren ever felt the absence of a father. That’s that divine feminine! Now as a trans woman, I strive to uplift women by being a visible body positive trans woman and creating opportunities for femmes. I co-host the only woman-led drag show at the Villain Theater and co-produce the only all trans lineup of showgirls in South FL “The Outcasts Show”. Queer nightlife & drag as an art form is a male-dominated industry, and I hope to be the new generation of women that embody the quote “rebellious women seldom make history” and challenge views of validity, like the women who raised me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about celebrating the divine feminine and illustrating the body beautiful glow. What sets me apart from other showgirls is my visibility as a body-positive trans POC, my drive & resilience to continue performing at a level seemingly unaffected by the struggles I faced of homelessness while beginning my transition, and the sensual high-energy dance numbers I produce coining me the tagline “La Muñeca Sirenita” which translates to The Little Siren Doll. Outside of the opportunities and spaces I mentioned previously that I’ve been able to help build for women & femmes, I am most proud of being the Grand Champion of Kill Your Idol’s Got Talent 2023: the only major talent competition for creatives in South FL where I performed a dance production celebrating the inclusion of trans women in modern day feminism. I got to where I am by the law of attraction and hustling to make my manifestations my reality. I believe I am worthy of what I desire and since the conception of my showgirl occupation 2 years ago: I entered every open stage competition I could and won, I took trains and buses to support local shows in the community until hostesses gave me opportunities, I auditioned for show opportunities only earning tips until I earned paid cast spots, etc. The seasoned entertainers saw my professionalism, talent, and character and I think that’s why I was supported while overcoming the challenges I did so early in my career. It wasn’t easy but in times where you feel you have no one but yourself in this world, you learn through self love and determination that you have the power within you to improve your reality. What I want the world to know about my brand and story is my heart is my strength and as soon as you harness yours, you too can become the proof of what’s never been seen. For whatever reader the universe may place this article in front of, this is only the beginning for us babe!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, she knows we’re gonna be OUTSIDE so I’d probably bring her to all the different queer party scenes that your local party girls would be at. Monday – Beach/pool day then Flannys for Mexican Mondays
Tuesday & Wednesday – These nights are the best nights IMO to pop out at Wilton Manors, you can enjoy drag shows hosted by my drag auntie Aaliyah Jae at Georgie’s Alibi and then “afty” (after party) at where all the girls call “Boardy” short for Boardwalk. Bonus if you can squeeze in Sin Silva’s Kings Show on Wednesdays before or maybe a bite at New York Grilled Cheese!
Thursday -Double Stubble at Gramps Wynwood for sure. It’s quickly become apart of so many of our weekly schedules which is why it’s lasted as a staple in the South Florida queer scene.
Friday – The RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party at Villain Theater then we take on the Miami gay bar marathon of the last leg of Drag Fridays at Kill Your Idol, Nathan’s till around 1 or 2 AM, and then Twist to who knows?
Saturday & Sundays – There’s rotating abundance of parties going on in Miami. A few options I’d like to shoutout are Gender Blender at Kill Your Idol + Gramps, Corruption at Domicile, Masisi, Witches of Miami, & Call To Action, My favorite post-party meal is Steve’s Pizza in North Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think I’d wanna dedicate my shoutout to Sin Silva and Karla Croqueta. Sin Karla is a non-binary bearded draglesque artist, professional singer, & producer/hostess of Double Stubble at Gramps Wynwood, one of the longest-running queer parties in South FL that built most of our beloved local stars. Sin is a non-binary burlesque performer, LGBTQIA+ friendly pole dancer/instructor, TV personality, and host of The Kings Show and Sin City at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar: All male, non-binary, queer revue shows. After my grandmother’s passing, I had to find complete adult independence in what felt like overnight. Shortly after I discovered my truest self and decided to begin my transition. Now homeless and trans, it was Karla and Sin who saw my talent, believed in my potential and gave me work opportunities, costumes, clothes, even food to get by. I quite literally would not have healed to who I am or be where I am without chosen family.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arieselita/

Other: https://www.villaintheater.com/rpdrparty 50% OFF DRINKS + FREE RSVP link to RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 VIewing Party Fridays hosted by Ariesela & LinerBaddie at Villain Theater

Image Credits
Professional shots by Jonny On The Go/On The Go Creative