By Giulia Gutzwiller, Staff Writer

Drag performer and Kentucky native Lexi Love, also known as Lexi Valentine Love and Lexi V. Love, is competing for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar in season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.   

Lexi Love was raised in Florence, KY and is currently based in Louisville, KY. Early in her drag career, she performed around the Cincinnati area. She was cast in season 17 after submitting five audition tapes over the years. Before appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she performed as a “playmate” at Louisville’s Play Dance Bar for three years. Lexi Love has referred to herself as “Kentucky’s Roller-Derby Doll” as she regularly performs in roller skates.  

At 34 years old, Lexi Love is the oldest contestant this season, with some of her competitors referring to her as “auntie” or “grandma.” Despite their criticism of her age, her experience in the industry has shown to be an asset in the competition.  

In each episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, contestants are judged on a variety of skills, such as dancing, singing, lip-syncing and creating elaborate outfits to strut on the runway.  

Lexi Love entertained the judges and other contestants with an upbeat performance to her debut single “She’s Giving” in the season’s second episode. From skating all around the stage in a cake-themed outfit to cartwheeling into a split, she demonstrated that she is a fierce and versatile competitor.  

In the same episode, Lexi Love competed against Crystal Envy in a lip-sync battle. The pair mouthed the lyrics to “Alter Ego” by Doechii, who was the guest judge for this episode. Her facial expressions, stage presence and dancing abilities set her apart from the rest of the competition.  

As a transgender drag performer, Lexi Love is following in the footsteps of previous trans Drag Race contestants, most notably season 15 winner Sasha Colby, and continuing their legacy.

“I think that trans representation is really great, especially on RuPaul’s Drag Race,” first-year undecided major Viessa Cantelmo said.  

Having overcome her experiences with homelessness and drug addiction, Lexi Love strives to create close bonds with the other contestants and support them in their times of need.  

“I knew I would have low moments, and I knew I’d struggle because I’ve done it time and time again, and I’d need to lean on those people, so I’d need to be there for them so they will be there for me,” Lexi Love said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.  

The first six episodes of the season have aired. Lexi Love continues to impress the judges and is still in the running to be the season 17 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.