Trinity K. Bonet sits down to discuss how her journey since first appearing on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ back in 2014 has shaped her as an artist and a person. At 34, Bonet looks back at her 22-year-old self, recalling the unfamiliarities of being on reality television for the very first time.
“It was my first time on television,” she shares candidly. “I didn’t know I was playing [in] a TV show instead of just doing drag—what I signed up for.”
Fast forward nearly a decade, and Bonet has undoubtedly become a certified superstar in the drag and entertainment world. Her participation in competitive reality TV has propelled her career, linking her with pop music’s elite, including Taylor Swift, Cardi B, and Miley Cyrus.
As Pride season kicks off, Bonet is gearing up for an exciting lineup of performances. She will make her first scheduled Pride appearance at the queer cabaret BOYeurism on July 19 at the Alberta Rose Theatre. In addition to that, she will perform at the Portland Pride Festival on July 20 and has also added a show at Dixie Tavern on July 18, celebrating the release of Beyoncé’s country album, ‘Cowboy Carter’, while benefiting Pride Northwest’s Black Rainbow Initiative.
Bonet describes how her artistry and self-awareness have evolved over the years. “I think my artistry has changed,” she reflects. “I think who I am as a person has not changed. I am more self-aware, and I ask for grace if I’m not at my best instead of inflicting whatever I might be going through on people.”
Bonet first gained attention in Season 6 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, a season held in high regard for its quality and entertainment value. Despite her seventh-place finish out of 14 contestants, she was known for her honesty, discussing her HIV-positive diagnosis, which helped to destigmatize the condition.
“Every entertainer’s going to tell you you’re going to get a million ‘I love yous,’ and that one ‘Girl, you’re a fool’ will ruin your whole day,” Bonet recaps, reflecting on the mixed reception she received from audiences both on and off-screen.
While the show was praised for its entertainment value, it was also scrutinized for its treatment of Black contestants and performers of color. Bonet has expressed how challenging it was to navigate this landscape. “How is everybody else seeing me for all I am and not holding it against me?” she questions.
After her mother’s passing in December, Bonet relocated from Cincinnati back to Atlanta, where she has focused both on her personal healing and her artistic growth. Alongside her dogs, Jojo and Marie, Bonet is redefining her identity and embracing her authenticity.
“My story isn’t everyone else’s, and my story is constantly changing,” she says, signaling that she is unhurried to conform to anyone else’s expectations.
Her mother was a significant figure in Bonet’s rise as an artist, and her passing has had a profound impact on Bonet’s life. Despite the deep loss, she remains focused on her career and her upcoming appearances at events like BOYeurism and Portland Pride.
Isaiah Esquire, one of the promoters involved in the Pride events, speaks highly of Bonet, acknowledging her talent and the importance of allowing her to express her full artistic range. He challenges the limiting notion of referring to her merely as a “Ru Girl,” highlighting the multifaceted nature of her performances.
Bonet aims to use her stage presence to uplift her audience, wanting them to leave with a lasting impression of empowerment. “I think people should live in their truth,” she emphasizes.
The next few days will be vibrant ones for her as she shares the stage with a variety of performers at Portland Pride, intertwining her energy with that of circus aerialists and drag artists, all contributing to a rich celebration of identity and expression.
While television often compresses a person’s story into limited narratives, Bonet believes that there is always more to share beyond the screen. She wants her audiences to feel that their experiences are valid and that they don’t have to fit a mold.
As she prepares for her multifaceted performances, Bonet continues to explore her artistic sensibilities while championing authenticity.
Upcoming appearances include:
– Cowfolk Carter Party at Dixie Tavern, located at 32 NW Third Ave., Instagram: pridenorthwest, at 8:30 PM on Friday, July 18. Admission is free, for ages 21 and over.
– Portland Pride Waterfront Festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, located at 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Instagram: pridenorthwest, on Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, with a suggested donation of $10.
– BOYeurism at Alberta Rose Theatre, located at 3000 NE Alberta St., Phone: 503-719-6055, Website: albertarosetheatre.com, at 8 PM on Saturday, July 19. Ticket prices range from $42 to $63.75. This event is for ages 18 and above, with ages 18-20 allowed with a guest aged 21 or older.
image source from：wweek
