Kylie Sonique Love is First Trans ‘Drag Race’ Winner After ‘All Stars 6’ Victory

The long-running Ru Paul’s Drag Race franchise is finally making leaps to be more gender inclusive, featuring more gender-diverse contestants and recently revealing the first out, transgender performer to win any edition of the drag competition’s American franchise. Congratulation to Kylie Sonique Love, a former competitor from Season Two of the original series, for the win on Drag Race: All-Stars Season Six! As usual, the competition was fierce, coming down to a last-minute move from Sonique that ultimately pushed the judges over the edge in her favor. The episode featured the top four performers, preparing for the challenge: add an original verse to RuPaul’s song “This is Our Country” and perform it in front of the judges, before one final lip sync to determine the show’s winner. Sonique used the opportunity to write about her experience as a trans woman and the marginalization that comes with it in America. She wore an American flag cocktail dress for the showdown. In a now-viral moment, when it was her time to lip sync, using Lady Gaga’s “Stupid Love,” Sonique put on a stellar performance before nearly falling flat on her face. Of course, she didn’t—instead she turned the fall into a body roll, landing gracefully with a memorable pose.

Oh my GOD!!!! I slipped on my boa and my foot got caught in my dress, I seen everything going in slow motion and what learned in gymnastics was when you fall you roll out of it, and make it look good! I love y’all so much for the support I am honored to be your new queen! TBC ???? https://t.co/WURcyyw3jb — Kylie Sonique Love (@xoSonique) September 4, 2021

After the legendary recovery, Sonique was the clear winner. “Kylie’s exhilarating blend of tenacity, vulnerability and talent made her a sizzling stand-out in the most compelling ‘All Stars’ in the franchise’s herstory,” RuPaul says in a statement following the episode’s premiere. “Her trajectory from Season Two of Drag Race to the winner of All Stars 6 is an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of sharing her amazing journey. All hail Queen Kylie!” For winning the competition, Sonique received a $100,000 cash prize and a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. Sonique first competed in Season Two of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, and when the reunion episode was held, Sonique came out publicly as a trans woman. She is the second, out trans contestant to win any rendition of the show in the history of the global franchise, following Angele Anang, the winner of Drag Race Thailand in 2019. Sonique spoke out following the win, expressing her gratitude to Paramount+, World of Wonder, and RuPaul for the knowledge and opportunity, “I’m so grateful to be the first trans representation with the crown.” It’s a historic moment for the show, which will hopefully open the door to more acts and genders, showing that drag is truly an artform to be enjoyed by—and performed by—everyone. Photo courtesy of Kylie Sonique Love on Twitter