Xunami is the Muse
Jacket and Skirt: Christian Cowan
Creative Director/Photographer: Daniel Roa @DanielRoaART
Stylist: Angel Emmanuel @AngelEmmanuel
Photo Assistant: Maia Bertrand @MaiaBertrand
Ahead of her “Haus of Aja” world tour, Xunami Muse, Miss Congeniality, and star of RuPaul’s Drag RaceSeason 16, check in and chat with fashion stylist Angel Emmanuel and MERDE Magazine. They talk about everything from DRAG, to her move back to Panama, her recently released album, modeling, video games, and Drag Race: Latin America?!
While on Season 16 of Drag Race, Xunami revealed that she’s a DACA recipient. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a U.S. immigration policy that allows undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to live and work here legally. Since then, Xunami has been able to tour the United States as a “RuGirl” but she recently revealed that in order to go on her world tour, she would first need to leave the United States and move back home to Panama.
Angel: Can you explain to those who don’t know what it means to be a DACA recipient?
Xunami: For us, it meant feeling like we were in a constant state of limbo. You can legally work and pay taxes, but can’t vote or leave and enter the country at will—so many limitations. Many of us entered the country legally (I entered with a passport and visa), but overstayed as a result of our parents wanting a better future for us. We grew up being blamed for something we didn’t have a say in. At the time, though, it felt like we had a chance to achieve our dreams.
Top: LaPointe
Angel: What has living in New York taught you as a person, in and out of drag?
Xunami:That everyone, no matter where they’re from, all they want is to connect, to love, to dance! This world is a lot more connected than what sensationalized headlines may lead you to believe. It also taught me that if I can make it in NY, I can make it anywhere.
Angel: What does it mean for you to return to Panama as a Drag Superstar?
Xunami:It means the world. It means getting to come and continue to spread the gospel of drag to MY people. I get to continue to open minds, spread love, and accept energy.
Angel: How has your culture influenced your drag?
Xunami:We’re very happy people. Growing up with very little, you’re taught to make the best of what you have. And I think that has translated into my drag. I think it’s one of the reasons why I won Miss Congeniality and why people gravitate towards my personality. I genuinely just love to have a good time.
Angel: What are you looking most forward to about your upcoming ”Haus of Aja” global tour?
Dress: Aknvas
Xunmai: Getting to connect with all the fans that I haven’t gotten to meet yet. It will be my first time ever in Europe, so I'm looking forward to seeing all the new faces.
Angel: Besides the already scheduled dates, where else do you hope to bring this tour?
Xunami: Asia and Latin America!
Angel: What advice do you have for young queer people, especially those who are immigrants in a new country?
Xunami: Find your tribe! We’re literally everywhere, and now with the internet, it’s a lot easier to be with people who feel and see you. We deserve to feel safe and loved on this Earth!
Angel: How did the Haus of Aja tourcome about?
Xunami: Kyle Clarke (Talent Manager, Producer, & Owner of DFIU Events, the production company putting together the tour) hit us all up together and expressed an interest in doing a tour with the four of us. By then, Aja had already filmed All Stars10, so we felt like it would have been the perfect time to keep that momentum going and reintroduce the house as the new version of themselves. They’ve all evolved and are in different aspects of their lives, but are glued by the foundation that brought them together in the first place: DRAG!
Dress: Angel Emmanuel
Angel: What can fans expect from the tour?
Xunami: We have choreo, cohesive looks, storytelling, but above all that, CHEMISTRY. I think that’s what fans will gravitate towards the most on this tour.
In addition to the Drag Race runway, Xunami has graced the front rows and runways of New York Fashion Week, done campaigns with Coach, and even strutted down the red carpet of the Emmys! It’s no secret that modeling and Xunami Muse go hand in hand!
Angel: What inspired your interest in modeling?
Xunami: Watching America’s Next Top Model. Hahaha! It put the beautiful images I grew up idolizing into perspective. Something in my head said, “Hmmm, I think I can do that!” I think as a ‘regular’ boy, I wasn’t what casting agents were looking for. But as a drag queen, I was able to become the fantasy I always dreamed of!
Angel: Who are your top 5 supermodels? From any era!
Xunami: In no particular order: Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Bella Hadid, Tyson Beckford, Iman
Angel: What are some of your favorite fashion shows?
Xunami: Don’t hate me, but the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows. Like that era from 2002 to 2007, I still go back to draw inspiration from them! Also, who doesn’t love a Mugler show from the ‘90s. Truly a spectacle. True DRAG!
Angel: What’s your favorite part about modeling?
Xunami: Getting to become a vessel for someone else’s story, and at times it’s not even about trying to be accurate. It’s about exaggerating and dramatizing the role. It’s CAMP! It’s DRAG!
Each season of RuPaul’s Drag Race crowns a new Drag Superstar, but they also crown a Miss Congeniality, a title that’s awarded to the Queen who’s the kindest, most helpful, and friendliest person on their season. Initially, the title was voted for by the fans, but since season 10 of the series, the title has been voted for by the Queens themselves. Season 16 saw—for the first time—two Queens winning the title of Miss Congeniality; Xunami Muse and finalist Sapphira Cristal.
Angel: Tell us about your reign as the Miss Congeniality for Season 16?
Xunami: I remember telling myself, if I ever get on Drag Race and don’t snatch the crown, I would at least love to become Miss Congeniality. And look! It happened. Next time though, I’m manifesting that crown on an (RuPaul’s Drag Race) All Stars
Romper: Aknvas
Angel: Congratulations on your series of Olay commercials! What was that experience like?
Xunami: Not only was it my first time getting the biggest check of my life, but it was my first time being on a set of that level! The whole team was great, and being in that element taught me that this is exactly what I’ve always wanted to be doing.
Angel: What’s something people may not know about your time during Season 16?
Xunami: I was scared to be perceived. As a dreamer, you were then sort of taught not to call attention to yourself. To fly under the radar and be invisible, so getting on Drag Race was quite the opposite of all of that. I was very conflicted on a personal level. I have since then overcome my biggest obstacle: myself.
Angel: If the opportunity presented itself, would you be interested in hosting a Drag Race: Latin America?
Caftan: LaPointe
Xunami: Are you kidding?! Absolutely!
Angel: What has the reception for your album, NDA: New Drag Age, been like?
Xunami: My favorite thing about the whole experience has been getting to show a different side to people who didn’t know I had that in me. And to be honest, I surprised myself as well! Hearing how people resonate with certain tracks on the album allows me to connect with them on a different level.
Angel: Who are some of your dream collaborators? Whether it be drag, music, acting, modeling, etc.
Xunami: Working with any French designers during Paris Fashion Week. It’s always been such a magical event for me. Whether it’d be walking the runway or attending the shows and parties, that’s what I want the most right now!
Angel: How do you like to decompress after any stop on tour?
Xunami: Video games!!!! For years, it has never failed as my stress reliever. Right now I’m obsessed with My Hero Ultra Rumble. I’m a Strike Dabi and Assault Ochaco main!
Angel: What’s your advice to baby queens who see themselves in you?
Xunami: Keep putting yourself out there. Don’t wait for that ‘perfect’ time. It’s never gonna come. All you have is now. You learn the most from your mistakes. I know I did!