Drag Race legend Valentina publicly comes out as trans on 34th birthday
Drag Race icon Valentina (@allaboutvalentina/ Instagram)
Drag Race icon Valentina (@allaboutvalentina/ Instagram)
RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars 4 icon Valentina has publicly come out as trans on her 34th birthday, saying she has been transitioning privately ‘for some time’.
Valentina, who is best known for competing on season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2017 before returning for All Stars 4 just a year later, and later hosted the inaugural season of international spinoff Drag Race México, took to Instagram on her 34th birthday to share the news of her transition with fans.
“Hello everyone, it’s me Valentina Xunaxi,” the icon wrote above several pictures posted on Instagram 14 May. “Today is my bday. I turn 34. For some time now I’ve been in transition, I’ve been doing it privately but today I wanted to open and share with you all.
“Along the way I’ve felt pressure to come forward so I’ve decided and wanted to take today to declare myself as a transgender woman.
“I welcome all the love, support and protection from my dear fans. Thank you so much.”
Valentina joins a long line of Drag Race alumni to publicly come out as trans after their time on the show, including Detox, Laganja Estranja, season 14’s Jasmine Kennedie, season 15’s Amethyst, Drag Race France‘s Kitty Space and more.
The comments of her post have been filled with love and support from Drag Race alumni and fans alike.
All Stars 4 winner Monét X Change wrote, “Mi hermosa reina! Happy Birthday amor!!!” and reigning Drag Race UK champ Kyran Thrax added, “Babyyyyyyyyy happy birthday!!”
Fellow trans Drag Race queens Dakota Schiffer and Kylie Sonique Love also sent their well wishes, aided by Bianca Del Rio, Jaida Essence Hall, Michelle Visage and Drag Race Sverige runner up Fontana.
In 2024, Valentina spoke publicly about have “suicidal thoughts” while questioning her gender identity, having said in 2019 that she then identified as non-binary.
Valentina became an almost instant fan favourite during her turn on season nine of Drag Race. She was sensationally eliminated in seventh place after asking to keep her mask on during a lip-sync.
She later returned for All Stars 4, where she again placed seventh.
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