Drag star Marina Summers comes out as trans
MANILA, Philippines — Filipina drag star Marina Summers has come out as a transwoman having undergone transitioning and therapy for a year.
In an Instagram post, Marina shared pictures shot by celebrity photographer BJ Pascual accompanied by a message announcing her transition.
Marina admitted mulling over when to share her news with the public, noting that she's felt feminine since childhood.
"For so many years, I poured that energy into carving a life that required me to move at full speed," Marina said. "Becoming the person I've always seen myself as felt like something I'd get to 'later,' something I gently pushed to the side while I tried to catch every other dream first."
The drag artist then began her transitioning last year, first socially by changing how she presented herself then started on hormone replacement therapy, only informing first those close to her.
"It's not as if I was hiding something from the world. I just really needed space to feel it, to heal, to simply exist in my own skin without the outside noise," Marina continued, expressing gratitude to herself for doing so. "And now, I'm ready to open the door a little wider and let you all into my journey."
She acknowledged everyone who first knew her by her birth name, but asked she be referred to as woman she's becoming — Marina.
"There's still so much to learn. I don't have everything figured out. But I do know I want to be more honest with you and myself," the drag artist added.
Marina thanked everyone for the love, kindness, and respect, ending by reiterating how happy she was to move forward as her true self.
Leaving supportive messages in the comments section were fellow drag queens including Brigiding, Myx Chanel, M1ss Jade So, Matilduh, Shewarma, Pura Luka Vega, Zahirah Zapanta, Denali, Kylie Sonique Love and Hannah Conda.
Marina, a member of Drag Playhouse PH, rose to fame by competing on the inaugural season of "Drag Race Philippines" where she finished as the runner-up behind Precious Paula Nicole.
She went on to compete in the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World" as the sole Asian representative. Marina was perceived favorite in the competition and ultimately reached the finale as a joint third-place finisher.
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