All Stars 10 star Tina Burner opens up about Autism diagnosis and ‘hate’ after season 13
All Stars 10 queen Ginger Minj has opened up about their autism diagnosis. (World of Wonder)
All Stars 10 queen Ginger Minj has opened up about their autism diagnosis. (World of Wonder)
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 has introduced its second wave of six contestants, and one of them is getting reflective about the “darkness” and Autism diagnosis that came after her initial run on the show.
The second bracket of queens competing in All Stars 10 began their journey in the preliminary round in last night’s episode (22 May), with fan favourites Tina Burner, Kerri Colby, Lydia B. Kollins, Nicole Paige Brooks, Jorgeous and Mistress Isabelle Brooks Ruturning.
For New York City’s drag legend Tina Burner, who arrived on season 13 in 2021 ready to turn and burn the competition, All Stars 10 is a chance to do-over her Drag Race story.
In a moving Instagram post ahead of last night’s episode, she opened up about the “hate” that followed her time on her original season.
“Tomorrow I am back on your screens. Although exciting, it also feels like I am bracing for a storm. The first time around on season 13, I have to say, I wasn’t prepared for what would follow. The darkness, the hate, the confusion,” she shared.
Tina, who left season 13 in seventh place, explained that she has “changed and grown” since her first appearance, not just through her “drag transformation”, but in terms of her mental health and relationships.
“My whole life there have been so many things I never understood. Why I am who I am. Why I act certain ways in social settings, relationships, in friendships and just life in general,” she continued.
“I thought the overworking and alcohol would silence or slow down what I felt inside. I never truly understood who I was.
“I struggled with my sexuality but more importantly my mental health. These past four years have been a journey.”
Tina went onto say that her life changed drastically after receiving therapy provided by the RuPaul’s Drag Race team, before she decided to seek further mental health support back in New York.
“I sought further clarification and was diagnosed with Autism or ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] and ADHD. I finally had answers to so many questions. If you know me you know I love a project. For the first time in my life, the project is me.”
Earlier this year, fellow Drag Race star Hormona Lisa also opened up about being diagnosed with Autism, saying it’s “part of who I am”.
Tina went on to thank her detractors for the “hate and negativity” as it helped her to “become the best version” of herself.
Clearly, the time Tina took away to focus on herself has been of benefit, both personally and to her drag: in episode four of All Stars 10, she – spoiler alert! – placed in the top two alongside Lydia B. Kollins.
It marks the first time Tina Burner has won a challenge in her Drag Race career.
All Stars 10 continues on Thursday on Paramount+ in the US and WOW Presents Plus internationally.
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