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She Shares Her Story of Resilience and Hope
[Editor’s Note: If you’d like to see Fantasia Royale Gaga in her show at ACT2PV, you will need to act fast. Her closing show is December 27, 2024 at 9:30 p.m.]
Story by Zia Ahmad. Photos by Oscar Almeida.
I envy Fantasia Royale Gaga. I envy her for having the courage I feel I might have lacked had I had to traverse the road she has traveled. Fantasia’s journey is one of valor and resilience, a story that shines a light on overcoming adversity.
Growing up in a conservative household in Jacksonville, Florida, she faced many challenges, from homelessness to substance abuse, and even a life-threatening encounter. Yet, through perseverance, Fantasia has embraced her true, authentic self.
Fantasia was raised in a religious environment, she said, where she attended church weekly but had always felt different. It wasn’t until she connected with other queer and transgender individuals in high school that she recognized her true identity.
Fantasia discovered her love for singing at just four years old. Her mother quickly recognized her talent and enrolled her in the School of Arts. In high school, she began her transition while sneaking into drag shows, not initially realizing this would pave the way for her career aspirations of becoming a Broadway star.
Twelve years ago, Fantasia took a bold step forward by moving to Miami, where her career as a showgirl at the iconic Palace Bar took off. It was this moment that marked the beginning of her rise to stardom.
Soon after, her presence gained traction on television, and her videos went viral, which ultimately led to the creation of her brand, “Where’s the Body,” It helped finance her surgeries and transition therapies.
Determined to pursue her authentic self, she began hormone therapy and sought guidance from older trans women during her transition, despite facing disapproval from her family.
“My family wasn’t happy to have a queer child,” Fantasia reflected, “and they were even less pleased when I decided to transition.”
Although their relationship was strained—through thick and thin—she eventually found reconciliation, she said.
“Today, my mother is my best friend.”
Fantasia believes that the trials of her journey have helped shape who she is today. She embraces all aspects of herself. And despite loving living in the body she always dreamed of, Fantasia has never stopped embracing the part of her that was before the transition. Internally, the person she’d always been has grown and appreciated the body they’re in now.
“From the inside, I’m still me,” she told me sitting across from a chair outside Starbucks where we met.
From hormone therapy to silicone injections, it wasn’t until Fantasia moved to Miami circa 2011-2012 that her physical transformation began to take shape; she emphasized that that journey required patience and care.
“When I look at myself in the mirror today, I feel complete.”
From Miami, about a year ago, she made her way to Las Vegas, where Fantesia now performs as a showgirl. She regularly works at popular venues like Piranha and Gipsy nightclubs.
She fell in love with Puerto Vallarta, particularly after a friend, David Sabella, invited her to experience its active art scene. What started as a two-week performance at ACT 2 turned into an entire month of entertainment during December 2024.
Her television appearances keep her busy, she said. They predominantly consist of reality shows, with her latest project being the fifth season of Dragula on AMC+.
“Think of it as Drag Race meets Fear Factor,” she told me, highlighting the daring challenges contestants face.
Fantasia has also appeared in various shows like Botched, Miami Doll, and Hot Hause, where she was the first-season winner. Her expression of excitement about her journey into the realm of reality television was quite apparent.
Fantasia feels proud to be a visible role model for trans people. She strives to showcase their lives positively. To bring the lives of many in a brighter light, she takes comfort in being the inspiration and role model for many.
“I will continue to advocate for trans people, especially trans people of color,” she asserted.
Fantasia hopes to perfect her one-woman show and take it on the road. She would also like to be a movie star. But more than anything, Fantasia would like to continue to perfect herself in the future and travel the world.
Live your life authentically without fear and shame is Fantasia’s message to her fans.
“Yesterday’s trauma is tomorrow’s victory,” she said. “Be proud of who you are never give up.”
Despite grappling with the reluctant truth that I might have struggled to possess the bravery she has, had I had to walk the path she has taken, my admiration for Fantasia Royale Gaga outweighs my envy of her. Her determination to embrace her authentic self, notwithstanding the challenges she faced along the way, inspires many to pursue their dreams without fear or shame. She continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations. She remains a beacon of hope and resilience for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Her message echoes loud and clear: no matter the obstacles, embracing who you truly are is the ultimate victory.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
