Capitol Hill is no stranger to a party. In fact, few can dispute the pivotal role it has played as the epicenter of all things Queer, colorful, and fabulous in Seattle. And sitting in the midst of the district’s long story is Neighbours Nightclub, a space steeped in history, glitz and glamour, vogue and drama, and, of course, many dollar bills.
Its reigning queen was Miss Roxy Doll, a rock star at heart who epitomized the grungy, gritty, and gothic worlds of drag. She led the iconic “Dollhouse,” a beloved weekly variety and talent showcase hosted at Capitol Lounge and later at Neighbours.
But on June 24, she passed away. Roxy reportedly “fell ill … lay down to rest [and] was later found unresponsive.” Jimmy Cafarella, younger brother to Roxy, later told the SGN that the medical examiner determined the official cause of death as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
“She was special in Seattle, because, in my opinion, she was the first rock-and-roll drag queen,” said longtime friend Babyteeth. “And most drag queens back then were commercial, disco, you know.”
On July 11, the community gathered to celebrate her life, luxury, and lasting legacy. The event, “Dollhouse of Delights,” was a trip that ran all night, filled with comedy, drag, and heartfelt tributes. Most of all, it was an outpouring of love and inclusivity from the community. It was a reminder that, even in tough times, we can come together to honor the bold, the beautiful, and the brave.
The queen of Neighbours
Roxy’s story is woven deep into the fabric of Seattle’s Queer history. Boy Mike, a longtime friend and fierce queen in his own right, had known Roxy since they were 14. He shared with the SGN what those early days were like for the partners in crime:
“We would crash at people’s apartments, get supplies at the Orion Center,” he said. “We were street kids together. We were made to help each other.”
Before modern-day conceptions of gender, young Boy Mike and Roxy blurred the lines with their Queer styles of self-expression. “Roxy and I, we were doing drag before we even knew what it was. They couldn’t tell us fish from fowl,” he proudly stated.
Quickly, the pair went on to develop a reputation in Seattle’s Gay scene. “Everyone knew who we were,” Boy Mike added. “We went to City Beat, then Club Broadway. When we were 21, we finally made it to Neighbours.”
It was from there that the two finally realized they could make a living doing drag, he said.
Roxy had a scrappy, unstoppable way of making it work — she took on every opportunity to grow and experience, regardless of the circumstances.
“We were both telemarketers. All the street kids worked there — we could be freaky and work,” admitted Boy Mike. “Then Roxy worked the coat check at Brass Connection. After Neighbours, she worked her way up. We survived together. Clawed our way to the top. I’m really proud of her.”
But Roxy didn’t just perform at Neighbours and become the general manager — she rescued it. In 2020, after pandemic closures and vandalism left the venue broken and abandoned, Roxy led its revival. She cleaned up the wreckage, organized talent, and revived its legendary stage.
And ever since she made her mark, she hasn’t stopped letting others make theirs.
Drag daughters, chosen family
For some, Roxy gave them their first chance at twinkling stardom.
“I’m the first AFAB performer to host a weekly show at Neighbours,” said Delulu Lemon, who opened Thursday’s show. A drag daughter of Roxy, Delulu has vowed to carry on her legacy.
For others, Roxy was a literal lifeline.
“I’ve known her since I was 17. She helped save my life — got me off the streets, off drugs,” said Ryan Hazy, a singer from Las Vegas who came up for the show. “She gave me a place to perform and express myself. Roxy is what Pride was about. Everybody matters — doesn’t matter if you’re Black, white, purple, orange, or green.”
Roxy’s “Dollhouse” didn’t just entertain, it saved lives and built families. In a city that can feel cold and standoffish, Roxy made it easy to feel at home. She gave people voice, sparkle, and courage — to stand tall, strut proudly, and shake that thang.
Roxy’s partner
Evan Evans was Roxy’s romantic partner of seven years. Giving insight into their relationship, he described how Roxy was an avid collector of dolls and a lover of cats. Touching on her fiery personality, he laughed and said that if Roxy was symbolic of anything it was “be Gay, do crime!”
And in a world where being your authentic self is no longer recognized legally, Roxy was a fierce self-advocate as a Transgender woman, stated Evans. Roxy fought hard to have her documentation changed here in Washington state to reflect her identity.
Evans also described how they cherished spending time together traveling, listing Hawaii and Disneyland among places they had visited.
“Our next destination was supposed to be New Orleans,” he said with a sigh.
Evans’s sister Nickole Evans contacted the SGN and shared family photos. She said of Roxy: “She was an incredible auntie to my littles and sister-in-law. We love and miss her tremendously.”
The show
The evening’s spectacular opened with Roxy’s legacy herself: the lovely Madam Delulu Lemon, a Seattle-based drag performer known for blending theatrical flair with high-energy, campy drag. A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, she brings deep stage experience to her performances, having taken on roles in productions like Orpheus Descending and Swan Lake: Remix, and having worked with companies such as Seattle Rep and Book-It Repertory Theatre. For over a decade, she co-hosted “Dollhouse” at Neighbours, establishing herself as a key figure in the local drag scene. With a name that cheekily nods to internet slang and athleisure culture, she embodies the Capitol Hill witty persona that mixes classic theater training with modern Queer expression.
Her tear-jerking opening speech had the crowd on their feet before the first number.
“I feel like we’re all her children to a degree — everybody in Capitol Hill, everybody in Seattle, all beautiful Queer people,” said Delulu.
The first act needed no words. Sherry Juarez, a longtime Neighbours employee and one of Roxy’s closest friends, danced in front of Roxy’s iconic boots. By the end of the song, they were overflowing with cash.
The rest of the night was filled with Seattle’s most wacky and wonderful talent: drag from all walks of life, from hair-raising ballads to vivacious twerking. Some were costumed, others not.
Featured performers included Sherry Juarez, reprising Roxy’s iconic boots number; PhoeNyx, in a burgundy sequin gown with an original song; and Captain Dr. GQ Esquire, a drag king who performed an original poem. The show went long into the night, with room for an encore.
At the end of the day, Roxy’s legacy lives on at Neighbours. She reminds us to embrace our wacky and wonderful, our weird and wild, and to let our freak flags fly. For every little boy and girl who wanted to dance but was told they had two left feet, for every soprano who dropped to an alto and quit band but still longed for a stage, for every mad, sad, or broken soul who just needed to be seen — Roxy gave them space to shine.
So here’s a shout, a twirl, and a holler for Roxy Doll — who never gave up and never gave in.
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