Today we’d like to introduce you to Violet Maldonado.
Hi Violet, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story isn’t very linear, but the biggest changes happened when I moved away from Puerto Rico at age 11. I came from a very conservative and reserved environment, with a family with very closed-minded points of view of the world. Being taken from that environment and dumped into a new country with different perspectives created both culture shock but the same time a sense of hope. As someone who is trans in an environment where it was impossible to be who I am, being taken away from my home environment created a space where I could finally start stepping into who I am. It took a long time, but I started finding my shelter with friends who were performers in my choir and drama departments and I was able to find a release. Music and performance have been part of my life ever since, now in the form of drag and live performances. I spend most of my time supporting others creatively pursue who they are and step into their full identity by challenging myself to do the same!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To give context to my experience as a trans girl, my identity made me feel like an outcast for so many years of my life, and not having a way to express that impacted my mental health significantly. Feeling trapped in an experience that didn’t reflect my true self was a very difficult experience. Creative spaces were the only places I could release and step into who I was full. I had to leave my home environment very young, with no savings, a job I’d found a week before, and stay with a friend. I had to work really hard to start supporting myself from nothing, with no family or financial help. I’m grateful now to be in a space where my expression is celebrated and I can be who I am full with people that love me, while also being able to sustain myself & do things I love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am actually about to begin drag performing more consistently! Right now, I have been making my name known by filming other queens and essentially being a stagehand, but I had my debut this past week! I also do a lot of photography and have been starting to model for shoots. What sets me apart is my ability to connect with others and my versatility as a performer. I also know how to doll up and turn a look, so I help others through makeup artistry and by showing them how to look in a way that makes them feel confident.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Any photographers and videographers that need content are always appreciated! Mutual support to create together. Share my content on social too, and send me ideas. Honestly, I just love connecting with others, so if you find what I do connects with you, please reach out!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_runvioletrun
