'Drag Race' Star Lexi Love is Stepping Back to Take a Breath

"Drag Race" star and Season 17 finalist Lexi Love is stepping back from drag mere days after the latest season of the long-running competition reality show wrapped up.

In an emotional Instagram post emblazoned with the "Drag Race" logo, Love advised her "loyal family, friends, and fans" that she would be "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," the entertainer added.

"This journey isn't one I can take alone," Love went on to add. "I know I'll need help, guidance, and grace along the way - and I'm so grateful to have the love and support of this incredible community behind me."

The drag star vowed, "When I return, I'll be ready to take on the world - bigger, better, and stronger than ever. And to those who doubted me - thank you for reminding me that resilience is a choice, and I choose to rise."

Love slayed on the show, even writing an original song, "Classic," which she used to perform one of her acts.

"Lexi wasn't just a stunning trans woman and drag artist throughout her 'Drag Race' run," Out Magazine declared, "but she was also a beautifully vulnerable competitor who felt like a breath of fresh air for viewers in a modern age of reality TV where cast members try to self-produce their storylines at all costs."

In an essay published at Them, Love recalled her early life in Kentucky, where, she wrote, "living openly as a trans woman felt less like a dream and more like a distant fantasy."

"There were no visible trans role models in my world - no blueprint, no bright example of thriving trans joy," the drag pro continued. "I lived in quiet fear: fear of being rejected by my family, my community, and the world beyond."

Still, she made do with what glimmers of promise there were.

"I remember watching Victoria's Secret fashion shows and 'America's Next Top Model,' dreaming of a life where I could be as radiant, glamorous, and celebrated as the women I saw on TV," Love recalled. "But instead, I buried my truth, hiding the most authentic parts of myself for years."

"That silence weighed heavily on me, and my mental health suffered deeply because of it."

Then she found a door that opened to a path eventually leading her to a better, and more authentic, life.

"At 18, I discovered drag," Love penned. "It became my escape, my sanctuary, and ultimately, my lifeline. I dove into the world of performance - surrounded by lights, music, and the love of a chosen family."

Though she had struggles with substances and dysphoria, she also made a crucial discovery.

"That same year, I lived as a woman for the first time - not under a doctor's care or with access to hormones or therapy - but simply because I knew," Love explained. "Deep in my soul, I knew who I was meant to be, even when the world tried to convince me otherwise."

Taking time for some self-care by taking some time off after the rigors of starring on "Drag Race" - and thrilling a whole new universe of fans while she was at it - is understandable, if not commendable. The drag icon's announcement was met by messages of love and support.

Alexis Michelle sent a string of heart emojis, as did Amanda LePore. Even "Dragula" drag queen Severity Stone expressed loving sentiments with a bunch of (black) hearts.

"Drag Race" winner Krystal Versace declared, "I love you," a sentiment echoed by Dallas De Vil and the UK's Vicki Vivacious, while adult content creator Benvi chimed in with, "Proud of you baby!!! Much love 💜💜💜".

All the best, Lexi!