Valentina’s Journey: Embracing Her Trans Identity
Announcing a New Chapter
On May 14, coinciding with her 34th birthday, Valentina Shunakshi, a notable contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, revealing her transition to a trans woman. In her emotional post, Valentina stated, “Hello everyone. I’m Valentina Shunakshi. Today is my birthday. I’ll be 34. I’ve been in the transition for a while. I’ve done it personally, but today I wanted to open it up and share it with you guys.”
A Supportive Community
Following her proclamation, Valentina received an outpouring of love and support from fans and fellow performers alike. Prominent figures within the drag community, including Drag Race Season 12 winner Haida Essence Hall and celebrated drag queen Bianca Del Rio, offered their warm birthday wishes, expressing their admiration for Valentina’s courage.
Background and Achievements
Valentina first captured the audience’s attention during Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Despite her elimination, she earned the title of Miss Congeniality, solidifying her presence in the show’s legacy. She later returned for All Stars 4, finishing in sixth place.
Beyond the Stage
In addition to her reality television success, Valentina appeared in Fox’s live production of Rent, portraying the character Angel Dumott Schunard, a significant role reflecting her own journey. In 2019, she identified as non-binary, explaining, “I don’t feel completely like a man, I don’t feel completely like a woman. I feel like a goddess. I feel like my gender.”
Emotional Reflections
Valentina has expressed deep introspection about her identity and the impact it has on her performances. She notes the importance of her role as Angel: “I take responsibility for being a gay non-binary drug queen who plays a truly important iconic role like Angel.”