'Drag Race' UK Star Tayris Mongardi Bravely Shares Childhood Sexual Abuse Experience

On the October 16, 2025 episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Tayris Mongardi—a 28-year-old drag performer from Brighton—spoke candidly about surviving childhood sexual abuse while in the care system, a revelation that moved fellow contestants and viewers alike. Mongardi disclosed that she was molested by her carer at six years old, describing the experience as a “formative part of personal strength.” The disclosure occurred during a heartfelt conversation in the Werk Room, where Mongardi discussed the challenges she and her sister faced growing up, including their mother’s struggles with mental health, addiction, and substance abuse, which led to time in foster care .

Mongardi’s testimony was met with support and praise from her fellow queens, who called her story “awe-inspiring.” The episode gave voice to difficult subjects rarely discussed so openly on mainstream television and highlighted the resilience required to turn traumatic experiences into sources of strength and advocacy .

Throughout the episode and in a later interview, Mongardi emphasized the importance of her family in her healing journey. She credited her sister as a key emotional support and detailed the complicated relationship with her mother, complicated by her mother’s mental health battles. Mongardi explained, “It was always my sister who was there to emotionally carry the pieces when my mum wasn’t really able to do so,” sharing how her father’s presence eventually brought much-needed stability: “Now my dad has truly become my rock. Biggest supporter in the whole world. I’m so blessed to have a father figure in my life who really encourages everything that I am and everything that I want to be” .

Mongardi’s journey into drag is deeply intertwined with her family’s support and her desire to reclaim agency. She explained that her experiences as a child shaped her personal strength and her commitment to fostering healing relationships: “I just really hope that my sister and my mother and everyone knows that no matter any of the hurdles that I’ve lived through in my life, I don’t think they define our relationships and they definitely don’t define me” .

Mongardi’s story is particularly significant within the LGBTQ+ community, where issues of childhood trauma, mental health, and resilience are often compounded by societal discrimination and lack of support. Her openness on a major television platform not only provides visibility for survivors of abuse but also affirms the importance of supportive networks for LGBTQ+ individuals. The drag community, in particular, has long been a space for reclaiming identity and building resilience, and Mongardi’s example is a testament to the power of queer storytelling and solidarity .

Mongardi uses her growing public platform to advocate for marginalized people, especially trans and non-binary individuals, and to challenge stigma and silence around abuse. In a recent interview, she stated, “Drag gives us a power and a platform… I’m going to entertain and be a superstar, but more importantly, I’m going to uplift the people who need it and be the person I needed to see when I was younger” .

Drag Race UK has previously provided space for contestants to share personal experiences of trauma and survival. In season six, winner Kyran Thrax bravely disclosed being groomed and abused as a teenager, highlighting the prevalence of these issues in LGBTQ+ populations and the need for open conversation and support . Mongardi’s story adds to a growing legacy of drag artists leveraging their platforms for advocacy and community healing.

Beyond her personal story, Mongardi’s presence on Drag Race UK is emblematic of the evolving role of drag in public discourse. Known for her vibrant performances and commitment to celebrating Black queer joy, she champions inclusivity, visibility, and the importance of representation for all LGBTQ+ identities. Her drag, rooted in resilience and inspired by icons such as Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Grace Jones, is both a celebration and a call to action for solidarity and support .

Following Mongardi’s disclosure, BBC Three and other organizations encouraged anyone affected by issues of abuse, trauma, or mental health to seek help from specialized support services. Resources and helplines were made available to viewers, underscoring the importance of accessible care for survivors .

Tayris Mongardi’s willingness to share her story marks a significant moment not only for Drag Race UK but for the broader conversation around abuse, healing, and LGBTQ+ resilience. Her message is clear: while trauma may shape experiences, it does not define individuals or their capacity for love, creativity, and community. As Drag Race UK continues to air, Mongardi’s advocacy and visibility are helping to foster understanding, encourage dialogue, and inspire hope among survivors and allies alike .