Widely heralded as one of the best reality shows of all time, RuPaul's Drag Race has millions of devoted fans. Many of those fans want to know about things like Manila Luzon having a dress banned, how RuPaul spends money, and when Nina West raised $17,000 for an excellent cause. Most of all, fans want to know about the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race from the past, including the first five winners and the competitors who have YouTube channels.
Of course, some of the people who starred in RuPaul's Drag Race in the past are more interesting than others. With that in mind, it is fascinating to look at what happened to Ongina after she came out as HIV positive on the show.
RuPaul's Drag Race Legend Oninga Stepped Away From Drag
Throughout the history of RuPaul's Drag Race, several of the show's stars have been able to attain legendary status for various reasons. As any fan of the show should know, Ongina is an example of that, as she certainly made her mark on the show.
A competitor during RuPaul's Drag Race's first season, Ongina came in fifth place back then. Brought back for the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars many years later, Ongina came in ninth place the second time around.
On top of being memorable for her outfits and performances, fans will also never forget the moment when Ongina revealed she was HIV positive. All these years after she found her way into the hearts of millions, it is fascinating to look at what Ongina is doing now.
Since RuPaul's Drag Race has been on the air for many decades now, Ongina's first season premiered more than a decade before she returned to the show. With that in mind, it should go without saying that Ongina spent many years of her life as a drag performer.
Thanks to RuPaul's Drag Race making her a legend, Ongina has many followers on social media. One example of that is the fact that as of November 2024, Ongina had more than 441,000 Instagram followers.
Since Ongina was a drag performer for so many years, it was a shock when she announced that she was walking away from drag performing in July 2024.
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At that time, Ongina uploaded a post on Instagram that revealed her decision to give up the persona she spent so many years creating.
"While I let Ongina take a breather, I know this new creative chapter will be better."
Fortunately for Ongina's many fans, she wasn't saying that she was giving up her life as a performer in general.
In November 2023, Ongina appeared on the "Very Delta" show which can be seen in a YouTube interview. During the resulting interview, Ongina revealed that she almost competed in the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. However, Ongina wasn't able to appear because she didn't want to endanger her other business interests at that time.
In fact, Ongina began her post by writing that she was going to embrace a different way of expressing herself.
"A new chapter, but I've been here before. Something I left behind, but always wanted more. This time, I return to it with new goals. Hoping it will bring me the happiness I yearn for. A new challenge, dare I say. But the freedom to create something new everyday. I'm nervous, I'm excited but most of all I feel lifted. Excited to use the talents I was gifted."
Considering Ongina's connection with her fans, it isn't surprising she wasn't done there.
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After revealing her plans to step away from drag performing, Ongina stated that she was confident in her decision.
After Ongina came out as being HIV positive on RuPaul's Drag Race, other public figures have followed in her footsteps. One example of that, as a March 2024 People article reveals, is the fact that the RuPaul's Drag Race performer Q has also revealed that she is HIV+.
On top of that, Ongina expressed her hope that her fans would continue to support her.
"As I look into my future I'm certain, for now, this is the right move. But I hope you'll stick around as I dance to this new beat and find my groove!"
Fortunately for Ongina, it is very safe to say that her Instagram post announcing she was stepping away from drag performing was well received.
As of November 2024, the Instagram post has more than 12,500 likes. The post also has a slew of extremely supportive comments from Ongina's dedicated fans.
RuPaul's Drag Race Star Ongina Has Accomplished A Lot Since She Rose To Fame
Since Ongina starred in the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race, she has done some truly fascinating things. A March 2023 Entertainment Weekly article looking at what the stars of the reality show's first season have been up to provides a window into Ongina's life.
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Most admirably, Entertainment Weekly's article revealed that Ongina has become an HIV and AIDS activist since she became famous. It is known that Ongina has done work to get people to be more careful about HIV testing and prevention.
As a part of those efforts, Ongina has worked with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, as evidenced by a post on the company's Instagram account.
Another fascinating fact about Ongina's life after she rose to fame is that she appeared in a major music video.
Entertainment Weekly's article reveals that Ongina can be seen in a small role from the Black Eyed Peas' music video for "I Gotta Feeling." In the YouTube upload of the music video, Ongina can be seen at around the one-minute forty second mark.
- Main Genre
- Reality TV
- Seasons
- 17
- Awards Nominations
- Primetime Emmy Awards, Critics Choice Awards
- Awards Won
- Critics' Choice Real TV Awards: Best Competition Series
- Producer
- Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul, Steven Corfe, Mandy Salangsang, Chris McKim
- Production Company
- World of Wonder
- Number of Episodes
- 200
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