As the drag performer takes a step back, Pride Toronto announces she will no longer headline its 2025 Pool Party, but that her season 17 sister will…
Nine days after the grand finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17, finalist Lexi Love announced she would be taking a break. “I’m taking a step back to nurture my mental, physical, and emotional well-being,” she told fans on Instagram. “It’s time to transform my relationship with my inner saboteur — to understand it, disarm it, and step fully into my strength.” The 33-year-old drag performer also noted she plans to return “bigger, better and stronger than ever.”
With the announcement made over a week ago, there was hope Love would still perform at Pride Toronto’s 2025 Pool Party. Now we are learning the drag superstar will need more time for her transformational journey as Pride Toronto has confirmed she will no longer be attending.
“We at Pride Toronto want to send all our love and fiercest support to Lexi Love as they take a much-needed moment to care for their mind, body, and spirit,” the organization said in a statement. “It takes true queen energy to pause, reflect, and prioritize healing and we support her bravery… we know she’ll return more powerful, polished, and unshakably that girl.”
The two-time maxi-challenger winner was a favourite on the season with some iconic performances. From roller skating on the main stage to one of the best lip syncs of the season against Crystal Envy to Doechii’s “Alter Ego,” Love made her mark on the show.
She also delivered some of the season’s most emotional and heartfelt moments, giving us a glimpse into her life. She shared her struggles with homelessness and addiction, her experience as a victim of human trafficking and the relationship with her biological mother.
Off screen, she revealed in a now removed Instagram post that she was HIV positive. Love shared her status in response to the American government’s removal of websites related to HIV and LGBTQ+ rights.
While Love will not be joining Toronto for Pride, her season 17 sister will now headline the 2025 Pool Party. Lydia Butthole Kollins has been announced as the new headliner, joining Canada’s Drag Race season 5 contestant Sanjina Dabish Queen, DJ Sophie Jones and more.
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