Valentina (drag queen) Biography: Age, Net Worth, Drag Race, Music, Parents, Height, Career

Valentina Xunaxi, known professionally as Valentina, is a celebrated American drag performer, actor, singer, and television personality who has become a global icon for her glamorous performances and advocacy for Latin American culture.

Rising to prominence on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she has inspired audiences worldwide with her artistry, cultural pride, and trailblazing presence in the drag and entertainment industries.

Profile

• Full Name: James Andrew Leyva
• Stage Name: Valentina (Muxe Name: Xunaxi)
• Born: May 14, 1991
• Age: 34 years old
• Birthplace: Bell, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Drag Performer, Actor, Singer, Television Personality
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Leyva
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Valentina Xunaxi was born on May 14, 1991, in Bell, California, to Mexican-American parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leyva. Growing up in a vibrant Mexican-American community, she developed an early passion for fashion and the performing arts, which later shaped her drag persona.

Her stage name, “Valentina,” draws inspiration from a Mexican hot sauce brand, while “Xunaxi,” meaning “Virgin, Goddess, Saint, and Queen” in Zapotec, was gifted by her muxe mother, Elvis Guerra, during a 2024 ceremony in Juchitán, Oaxaca.

Though details about her formal education are not widely available, Valentina’s background in fashion and performance suggests specialized training, likely through workshops and self-directed study. Her Mexican heritage and connection to muxe culture profoundly influence her work, making her a proud advocate for Latin American traditions.

Career

Valentina Xunaxi began her professional drag career just ten months before joining RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 in 2017, where she placed 7th and won the fan-voted “Miss Congeniality” title for her charm identical to her Mexican heritage. Her iconic moments included a Mariachi-inspired runway and a tribute to Mexican actress María Félix, showcasing her cultural pride.

She returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 4 in 2018, again placing 7th, but left a lasting impression with her polished looks and performance in the roast challenge. In 2023, Valentina co-hosted the inaugural season of Drag Race México with Lolita Banana, bringing her expertise to a new platform and amplifying Latin American drag.

Her acting credits include playing Angel Dumott Schunard in RENT: Live (2019), a drag queen in AJ and the Queen (2020), and voicing Arugula in Drag Tots (2018). She has also appeared as a guest on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 24 (2018) and as a guest judge on Drag Race España Season 3 (2023).

Valentina’s music career includes her 2018 single “A Prueba de Todo,” and she has performed globally with the Werq the World tour since 2017. Her YouTube channel, with performance clips and drag tutorials, and her social media presence further solidify her influence, inspiring fans with her glamorous style and cultural advocacy.

Awards and Nominations

2015

Won the club version of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, marking an early milestone in her career.

2017

Won “Miss Congeniality” on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 for her fan-favorite status and warm personality. While additional nominations are not widely documented, her contributions to drag and Latin American representation have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @allaboutvalentina
• Facebook Handle: Valentina
• Twitter Handle: @AllOfValentina
• YouTube Handle: Valentina

Personal Life

Valentina Xunaxi, she is identifies as a transgender woman, having publicly announced her transition on her birthday, May 14, 2025. She uses she/her pronouns in drag and embraces her non-binary identity, celebrating her Mexican-American roots and muxe identity from Oaxaca’s Zapotec culture.

Valentina is trilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, enhancing her global reach. She is single, with no public record of a spouse or children, and focuses on her career and advocacy.

A devoted follower of the Virgin of Guadalupe, she credits this cultural icon as a guiding force in her life and drag journey. Her announcement of transitioning was met with support from peers like Shea Couleé and Manila Luzon, reflecting her strong community ties. Valentina enjoys fashion design and travel, often incorporating these passions into her stunning drag creations.

Filmography and Discography

Filmography

• RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 (2017) – Contestant, Miss Congeniality
• Untucked Season 9 (2017) – Herself
• La Vida de Valentina (2017) – Herself
• America’s Next Top Model Cycle 24 (2018) – Herself
• Drag Tots (2018) – Voice of Arugula
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 4 (2018–2019) – Contestant
• RENT: Live (2019) – Angel Dumott Schunard
• AJ and the Queen (2020) – Drag Queen
• RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 (2021) – Special Guest
• Drag Race España Season 3 (2023) – Guest Judge
• Drag Race México Season 1 (2023) – Co-Host

Discography

• “A Prueba de Todo” (2018) – Single
• Contributions to RuPaul’s Drag Race performance tracks

Net Worth

Valentina Xunaxi has an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her wealth is derived from her television appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race and its spinoffs, acting roles, music releases, and global performances with the Werq the World tour. Additional income comes from social media sponsorships, brand partnerships, and merchandise sales, reflecting her dynamic career and influence in the entertainment industry.