Laganja Estranja, a much-loved star from *RuPaul's Drag Race*, recently shared an intimate look at her journey toward accepting her trans identity. Opening up about it, she discussed both challenges and eye-opening moments that guided her decision, offering a beacon and a voice within her community.
"For a really long time, I fought against acknowledging my trans identity," she confessed. "As a queer, effeminate guy doing drag, I boxed my life up. On stage, I was Laganja—someone completely different. But offstage? I kept my beard and lived as a gay man, trying my best not stand out too much."
Everything changed during COVID-19. Being stuck at home gave Laganja some much-needed time alone with her thoughts, leading her toward self-discovery.
The turning point in Laganja Estranja's journey
Laganja remembered holding onto a promise, saying, "I always thought, 'I'll reveal who I really am once my parents are gone. I couldn't stand putting this on them.' But then it hit me—I wanted them, more than anyone, to know all of me. I wanted them to see the strong and beautiful person they helped me become—also a transgender woman."
Another star from Drag Race, Kylie Sonique Love, played a pivotal role in Laganja's coming out. "When we met at Mickey's in West Hollywood, I opened up, 'I think I'm trans. What do I do?' Kylie told me, 'Take it slow, one step at a time.'"
Embracing internal transformation
Laganja pointed out that while she's had gender-affirming surgery, most of her transition was emotional and inside. "It wasn't just about changing my body," she said. "It was about making my outside match who I've always been in here."
Since coming out in 2021, Laganja reflected on how her drag career let her dig deeper into her identity. "The drag scene surrounded me with strong women who pushed me forward. Watching them fight and win their own battles helped me declare, 'I might be scared, but I'm not letting fear win.'"
Living authentically as a trans woman
For ten years, Laganja presented herself as female through her captivating drag acts. But now, she's ready for the world to meet her as she truly sees herself—a proud woman.
"I'm done hiding," she announced. "I recently got a feminine haircut, and my whole outlook changed in just a week. I can take off my stage makeup now and still see that beautiful woman looking back. It's so empowering."
In a touching Instagram post, she wrote, "Thank you, trans siblings, for paving the path for my joyful coming out. I'm proud to be TRANS and live my truth. Happy PRIDE!"
Laganja Estranja's legacy and influence
Besides being a trans woman, Laganja Estranja shines as a choreographer, dance teacher, cannabis advocate, and drag performer. Her appearance on *RuPaul's Drag Race* season 6 made her a fan favorite, known for her meme-worthy lines and colorful personality. Who could forget her iconic entrance, "Come on, season 6. Let's get sickening!"
Laganja's path to self-acceptance inspires many in the LGBTQ+ community, encouraging others to live their true selves with pride and bravery.
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