About Us → News & Events Stigma Warrior: Meet Xiomarie LaBeija

My name is Xiomarie LaBeija, I am a plus size Afro Latina that has been doing the art form of drag for 14 years and counting. I started off here in CT and then began to travel around the US. I dance, sing, act, host, model, I’m funny and empowering on the mic, I am a proud mother of a drag family and the founder of the CT Chapter of LaBeija. Very educated and well rounded pun intended and always preaches about how important representation matters. Move from a place of love.

It is always important to stand against stigma and discrimination because we all have a power distilled in us to shine as bright as we can. Society’s agenda has always been controversial when it comes to someone living in their truth. Standing against ignorance with knowledge and representation is powerful. Standing against discrimination with knowledge and representation is also powerful. Change comes when we begin to have the tough conversations but we also have to be willing to understand all perspectives and respect each other as individuals.

Fighting stigma for me is just getting out of bed and living at this point in my life. Being the best me I can be and allowing myself to shine with the ability to still take steps back to learn how to continue remaining on my own path. I have survived threats, abuse, lies, rape, deceit, and the countless times that “you’re not going to amount to anything” have tried to touch my doorstep. I am a successful product of never giving up and never giving in in my community.

My advice to anyone facing stigma and discrimination would be to make sure to educate yourself and stay in the loop of what’s going on in your community. Also find your people within your community. Surround yourself with people who will empower, uplift and help you along the way.

One word that describes me as a stigma warrior is Fearless!!!!