By Kevin Ferrisi –
For Marita Bonita, her drag journey began almost by chance, two decades ago, when her teenage self transformed into a girl to sneak into an all-female high school party with her friends. At just 13, she had her first experience with the art of drag and female illusion, fueled by creativity and quick thinking. Years later, as an out and proud adult, Marita found her community in Hartford’s Polo Club, captivated by the dazzling performances of icons like Lady Tatiana and the legendary Nations girls. The spark ignited as she watched the queens light up the stage, knowing instinctively that this was her calling. Encouraged by friends, Marita took to the amateur drag nights and triumphed, earning her spot in the club’s vibrant lineup. After a few setbacks at the Miss Polo contest, she finally claimed the crown in 2006, cementing her legacy in a year that marked both her victory and the contest’s end. Marita’s drag dreams began to take shape, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Her introduction to drag makeup was a journey of discovery and determination. While she had always been fascinated by makeup – dabbling in goth and Halloween looks – drag presented a whole new challenge. With no YouTube tutorials to guide her, Marita relied on the support of friends from the Polo Club, many of whom worked with or owned coveted MAC products. They helped her transform for her first performance, igniting a desire to master the art herself. From that point on, Marita practiced tirelessly, learning through observation and experimentation. Over time, her skills evolved, and she became a resource for others, sharing tips and techniques in the dressing rooms; a testament to the collaborative spirit of the drag community.
Marita was drawn to drag as a way to express a side of herself that her more introverted, everyday persona kept hidden. Throughout her school years, she was shy, but there was always a part of her that craved the spotlight, especially when dressing up for Halloween. It was during those moments of transformation that she felt free, able to show a different side of herself. At 13, she was captivated by the idea of drag, seeing it as the perfect platform to combine her love for theater, gymnastics, and dance. Being a huge Britney Spears fan, the glamorous pop diva aesthetic resonated deeply with her, and she found herself drawn to lip-syncing and performing. As soon as she stepped into the world of drag, she was hooked, realizing it was the perfect outlet to merge all her passions into one vibrant, theatrical experience.
Her drag name was inspired by a blend of personal connections, cultural influences, and a dash of creativity. The name has always been Marita Bonita, and it came to her during a unique moment in her life. Her husband, who had dabbled in drag during college as a comedy queen, had hosted a drag-themed birthday party, transforming their kitchen into a makeshift stage. At the party, there was a contest where everyone judged the show, and it was there that Marita first considered what her drag persona would be called. Inspired by the iconic Carmen Miranda and her “Chiquita Bonita” persona, Marita wanted a name that evoked beauty and elegance. Reflecting on her Spanish education and Italian heritage, she landed on Marita, a playful twist on names she’d been called in high school like “Mary,” paired with “Bonita” to add a touch of flair. The name stuck after she won the contest that night, and it’s remained with her ever since, a perfect blend of beauty, humor, and personal significance.
Marita Bonita’s style of drag is a dynamic fusion of performance, energy, and eclectic influences. A true performer at heart, she loves to dance and lip-sync to iconic pop diva anthems, with Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Madonna frequently taking center stage. Her drag embodies a blend of different eras, drawing from the early 2000s and 2010s, and reflecting her punk and rock influences mixed with a touch of glamour. Imagine the perfect balance between the edginess of a “hunk” and the sweetness of a “pretty princess,” similar to a mashup of Sugar and Spice from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Marita’s looks range from tough, leather-clad ensembles to sparkling diamonds, embodying the versatility of icons like Madonna and Christina Aguilera, who have reinvented themselves through distinct “eras.” For her, drag is all about transformation and exploration, and she revels in the limitless possibilities it offers.
Drag has taught Marita not only about herself as an artist but also as an advocate and activist. Initially, she never saw herself as an activist, but over time, drag became a platform that allowed her to raise awareness and build confidence in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Her journey in drag coincided with the fight for marriage equality in Connecticut, and Marita, alongside her husband, actively participated in pushing for change during a time when civil unions were not even legal. As she became more involved in the LGBTQ+ community, Marita discovered her role in activism, using her platform to support causes like HIV equality. She participated in campaigns similar to the “no hate” movement and lent her talents to fundraising events for organizations such as the Saint Philip House, which provided housing and resources for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Marita Bonita’s life exists in the fascinating space between her day job in insurance and her vibrant drag persona, a contrast that she embraces fully. As an introvert in her professional world, she navigates the corporate sphere with the same grace and poise that she brings to the stage as a glamorous drag queen. As a leader of her company’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), Marita has championed causes like gender affirmation services and benefits for same-sex couples. This year, she made a groundbreaking move by bringing drag into the workplace, participating in a panel discussion about the significance of drag and the harm of political attacks against it. Alongside Sparkle Diamond, she helped shed light on the importance of drag as a source of empowerment and self-expression.
Beyond work, Marita is committed to giving back, participating in fundraisers and using her drag platform to bring joy to others while supporting her community. For Marita, it’s never just about the tips – it’s about making a difference and putting a smile on someone’s face.
One of the moments that stands out the most for Marita Bonita was when Tisane, a beloved venue in Hartford, closed its doors. For 12 years, it had been her stage, a space where she performed regularly and connected with the community. It wasn’t just a venue – it was a home. She had so many memories of those nights, especially when she lived in Hartford, when she could drop everything and run over for an impromptu interview with the news. But when Tisane closed, it felt like the loss of more than just a building. It was the loss of a sanctuary, a safe space where so many in the LGBTQ+ community had found belonging and comfort. For her and many others, the closing of Tisane wasn’t just the end of a venue – it was like losing a friend, a place that had provided solace and support during difficult times.
Marita Bonita will never forget the first time she marched in the New York Pride Parade. It was a dreamlike experience – seeing the city’s streets lined with millions of people celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, rather than just watching from the sidelines. But the following year, in 2019, brought its own unforgettable moment. Marita was asked by the actual FBI to march with them in the World Pride Parade. Her friend requested she dress up like Sandra Bullock’s character from Miss Congeniality, and Marita went all in. She crafted the perfect dress to match the movie’s famous look, complete with a gun holster and a custom sash. That year, she walked with pride, her heart full of both the cause and the laughter from the whimsical request. It was another magical moment, reminding her of the unbreakable bond of community and celebration.
Over the years, drag has become such an integral part of Marita Bonita’s life that it’s almost taken over every corner of her world, from her closet to her attic, and now even her guest room, which has slowly transformed into a staging area for her performances. During the pandemic, with live shows on hold, she found new ways to stay creative and healthy, diving into fitness and even experimenting with sewing. This shift in focus also led to an evolution in her aesthetic – she embraced a more sculpted body and refined her look. Despite the changes, Marita has remained steadfast in her belief that there’s no wrong way to do drag. With each shift, whether in her style or makeup techniques, she’s never looked back. From discovering the magic of brow-blocking to falling in love with body padding, she’s always exploring new ways to evolve her drag persona. And while some might question when she’ll retire, Marita knows that as long as she’s able, she’ll continue to perform, just like her idols, proving that drag is a lifelong journey of reinvention.
Marita takes immense pride in the fact that everything she creates for her drag persona is entirely her own. From the outfits she wears to the music she performs with, every element of her show is a product of her hard work and creativity. She’s self-taught, learning the intricacies of music mixing over the years with downloadable programs, sewing from her mother, and watching countless tutorials to perfect her craft. There’s no team behind her productions – it’s all Marita, from the music mixes she uses to the designs she creates for her merch store. As she continues to grow her drag career, Marita hopes to expand her artistic vision even further, all while encouraging her fans to support her creativity through the unique merchandise she designs.
After two decades in drag, Marita Bonita is far from slowing down. Though she’s already accomplished so much, including her longstanding residency at the X-Room in Springfield, she continues to forge ahead. Her show, which she joined shortly after its inception, has become a beloved staple, and she’s now proud to carry on its legacy, even stepping into the hosting role after the legendary Hella Swagg’s retirement. In addition to her Springfield gig, Marita also works tirelessly to bring drag to Glastonbury at the Spicy Green Bean, where she and fellow queens like Angel Rivers and Natalia Fierce put on unforgettable shows. Balancing a full-time job with a semi-full-time drag career is no easy feat, but Marita is determined to keep expanding her reach. With future plans in the works and a passion for creating meaningful connections through her performances, she’s excited to see what comes next. Be sure to check out Marita’s merch.
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