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Valentina Xunaxi Is the Icon She Always Knew She Was
If you’ve been keeping up with drag culture, Latin pop, or RuPaul’s Drag Race at any point in the last few years, chances are you’ve heard the name Valentina. And if you haven’t, it’s high time you caught up. Valentina Xunaxi isn’t just a fan favorite from Drag Race; she’s a powerhouse performer, a fashion enthusiast, an actor, and a proud Mexican-American artist who has been representing Latinx culture from the get-go.
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Born in Bell, California on May 14, 1991, to Mexican parents, Valentina has always infused her roots into her artistry. Her full name is Valentina Xunaxi Leyva. She began her professional drag career just ten months before snagging a spot on season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But long before the wigs and lashes, she was already immersed in the fashion and performing arts scene. And her drag, naturally, was inspired by Valentina hot sauce.
Valentina didn’t waste any time making a name for herself. Before Drag Race, she was already a fixture in L.A.’s queer nightlife scene. She won a club version of Dragula by the Boulet Brothers in 2015, a sign early on that she was poised to take over the stage. Then came her breakout on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2017. Valentina immediately stood out with her signature glam and serene confidence. She won the second challenge and quickly became a fan favorite.
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Her run on season 9 had its high points and delivered a legendary moment that’s still talked about: the lip-sync where she kept her mask on. That cost her the competition, but it also made her unforgettable. She ended up placing seventh overall but was crowned “Miss Congeniality” by fans. Though, due to some drama, the title was playfully changed by other queens to “Miss Fan Favorite.”
But Valentina wasn’t done. She returned for All Stars 4, where she had even more opportunities to showcase her fashion, acting skills, and charisma. Outside of Drag Race, she hosted her own series, “La Vida De Valentina,” conducted makeup tutorials for Vogue México, modeled for Elle México, and even took on acting roles. In 2019, she starred as Angel in the live Fox musical of “Rent.”
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She also made an appearance on America’s Next Top Model, joined the Werq the World Tour around Latin America and Europe, voiced a character in the animated series “Drag Tots,” and acted in Netflix’s “La Casa de las Flores.”
Valentina is celebrated for infusing Latin American glam into everything she does. From Frida Kahlo-inspired looks to tributes to Isabel Pantoja in her performances, she proudly showcases that her heritage is central to her drag. She’s used her platform to amplify Latinx voices in drag and significantly contributed to expanding Drag Race culture into Latin America by co-hosting the first season of Drag Race México alongside Lolita Banana in 2023.
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In 2024, she was replaced as co-host for the show’s second season by Taiga Brava, the winner of Queen of the Universe season two. But Valentina has never been one to slow down.
Valentina has always shared aspects of her personal journey on her own terms. In 2019, she publicly came out as non-binary and expressed that she is comfortable using she/her pronouns.
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On her 34th birthday, she made another announcement: “Hey everyone, it’s me, Valentina Xunaxi. Today is my birthday. I’m turning 34. I’ve been transitioning for a while now, doing it privately, but today I wanted to open up and share with all of you. I’ve felt pressure to come forward, so I’ve decided 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 continues to shine as a multifaceted performer, fashion icon, and proud representative of Mexican and queer culture. And this next chapter is just beginning.
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