Lexi Love, a 34-year-old drag artist and finalist on Season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, recently took an impactful step. She says she is going into a 30-day rehabilitation program for substance use and to address the mental health issues. The artist-in-residency program is currently taking place at the Texas State Penitentiary, on Death Row. We will extend the program by an additional 30 days if needed. Lexi Love’s dedication to not just becoming sober, but to complete sobriety is an important step on her road to recovery.
Lexi Love’s story became compounded by her history of trauma. These struggles contributed heavily to her present fight with substance abuse. Even though she had previously fought addiction with meth, the state’s current drug rehab program doesn’t treat for that drug. Rather than merely treat her symptoms with medication, it wants to offer her radical emotional therapy and care as she battles her inner monsters.
Her drag avatar Lexi Love achieved national recognition by becoming a finalist on Drag Race. She shared third place honors in a thrilling season finale that included third place contestant Sam Star. Chloe has had a more complex and often painful relationship with her identity, especially around the impact on her family structure. Her birth mother made the trip to Atlanta for an episode featuring a “Drag Baby Mamas” makeover. This deep, vulnerable, tender moment was a turning point in their relationship. Initially, Lexi Love’s mom struggled to accept her daughter’s true self. Still, she’s come a long way and now uses she/her pronouns when discussing Lexi on the show.
On April 27, Lexi Love made the surprising announcement that she would be stepping away from performing to focus on her mental health. In making this decision, she demonstrated her desire to care for herself and to take the steps needed for her own recovery.
“I’m taking a step back to nurture my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s time to transform my relationship with my inner saboteur — to understand it, disarm it, and step fully into my strength,” – Lexi Love
He encouraged all of us to recognize the depth of love that surrounds Lexi during this challenging experience. He thanked her for her strength. He said that we all, her family, friends and fans know the warmth, the joy, the light she brings to our world.
“Her family, friends, and fans all know the love and light that Lexi has,” – TJ Liedel
It’s been so much more than just losing weight — this process has totally changed my life. She has been candid about her plans to make a comeback bigger and better than before.
“When I return, I’ll be ready to take on the world — bigger, better, and stronger than ever,” – Lexi Love
Adult industry pioneer Lexi Love recently declared her off-camera healing journey a success. This announcement has led to one of the largest outpourings of love and encouragement from fans and competitors. People have honored her courage in speaking openly about her mental health struggles and getting what she calls much needed help.
Past experiences have shaped Lexi Love’s path. She is unapologetic in her conviction that vulnerability is the key to creativity and connection.
“I was brave enough to take my mental, physical, and emotional health serious for the first time ever,” – Lexi Love
This is her first statement about her strong commitment to self. It encourages everyone else out there who is going through the same fight. The creative, whose performances bring to life the importance of perseverance in the face of past and present injustice,
“And to those who doubted me — thank you for reminding me that resilience is a choice, and I choose to rise,” – Lexi Love
As Lexi Love starts this new chapter (and distance) in her life, her fans can only continue to hope for her inspiration’s recovery. We know that the road ahead won’t be easy. With powerful encouragement from friends and family and a new goal to work toward, she feels prepared to accept change and self-discovery.
