Comedian Mario Aguilar praises Downey as a 'community full of love'

Mario Aguilar, left, and Mayor Pro Tem Mario Trujillo. Aguilar is hosting a comedy show at the Downey Theatre on Aug. 25 and will be honored at the Downey Pride Festival the following day. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

DOWNEY — Comedian Mario Aguilar held a press conference at Stay Gallery on Wednesday, in anticipation of his performance at the Downey Theatre and appearance that the Downey Pride festival next weekend.

Aguilar has garnered massive internet fame, with 18 million followers on Tik Tok and nearly 8 million more on YouTube. He says his comedy is about “everyday life,” touching on topics that “a lot of people don’t want to talk about,” while turning tragedy into comedy.

He expressed enthusiasm about having the chance to represent both the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities.

“The truth is, I’m very excited,” said Aguilar. “Apart from the fact that it’s my first participation in Pride Festivals, I haven’t had those opportunities, I’m very excited that it is with the Latino community. I’m very excited about being able to help the young, youth Latino community.

“I’m also very excited about the fact that this festival, moms and dads can attend so they can understand, from the point of view of somebody who’s dedicated to this, because I’m part of the community, that sometimes people from the community are really good people, and there are some people who are not part of the community and they’re bad people.

“I’m very excited about being able to demonstrate that we’re a community full of love, and with a lot of desire to work.”

Mayor Pro Tem Mario Trujillo thanked the City Council for allowing Downey’s Pride Festival to continue, and Aguilar for his participation.

“It means a lot because it tells the community that influencers such as Mario value Downey, that they’re willing to come here and be part of this to let the community know that whether you’re queer or an ally, come be with us on that special day when Downey lets the world know that everyone is accepted here.”

Aguilar said that “It’s good to always be an ally.”

“Always be allies, because you don’t know when you may need support. Remember that when you point somebody with a finger, there’s three fingers pointing back,” said Aguilar. “That’s why it’s important that people try to be allies as much as possible, and sometimes silence is the best way to support somebody, to just not say anything, because the bad commentary can hurt someone like me.”