Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronika DaVil.
Hi Veronika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Those close to me will testify. I have been high energy since I was a little human.
Growing up in Provo, Utah as a closeted devote Mormon had its difficulties, but shaped me into the compassionate person I am today. Everyone around me preached the same message – righteousness will bring you closer to god, and “acting on your same-sex attraction” was sinful.
When I started realizing who I was in 7th grade I came out to my parents with a typed letter. In the letter I stated I was attracted to men, “but not in that way”, and I never wanted to talk about it. My conditioned 12-year-old mind could not comprehend being happy with a man.
Why would I choose to be different? Why would I choose a life of “sin?” Why would I choose to be separated from my family in heaven? I didn’t understand my sexuality was a gift, not a sin. When my Sophomore year in high school came to a close, I had a realization: I was ashamed of myself because I was told to be ashamed.
After realizing my shame was taught and unnecessary, everything changed. I slowly started coming out as gay to family members and friends. Many people in my life did not understand and mourned the loss of Mormon Michael – the Michael who was someone else to survive.
My friend group drastically changed from those that loved me conditionally to those that loved me unconditionally. I became the Gay-Straight Alliance club President, growing it to the second-largest club in school, and continued participating in student government, My final years of High School were rough but rewarding.
After graduating high school, I moved to Portland for the summer before returning to Utah and attending the University of Utah while living in SLC. Following a year of school and working part-time, I accepted a full-time position at Target Optical in SLC and stepped back from school.
While working in 2019, I started exploring the world of drag through mutual friends and Rupaul’s Drag Race. I started playing with makeup during quarantine in March 2020. I was asked to perform the first time I went out in drag at the beginning of 2021.
My first performance was in April of 2021 at 21. Never in a thousand years did I think I would start performing in drag and make a name for myself. I have gained such an amazing community through drag and opened so many doors that would not have been possible.
Drag has helped me embrace myself – which is ironic because I am someone else in drag. My mom has come to countless shows, my dad has come to one show, and I am beyond grateful for supportive parents.
I recently came out as Non-Binary, meaning I am not a man or a woman, but a happy in-between. My pronouns are They/Them out of drag and She/They in drag. I am working on correcting people when they use my incorrect pronouns, but it has been hard. With sexuality, it is often a one-time coming out, but with pronouns, it feels continuous.
There are so many hateful things being spread about the LGBT+ community, but specifically our Trans community. While I know I am worthy and beautiful, the hateful rhetoric takes its toll, and many queer people are not as confident as me.
I am a firm believer that if you aren’t hurting yourself, or anyone else, do as you wish. I will continue to be true to myself so others can be themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was committed to changing my sexuality and making my family and God proud. My bishop was the first person outside my family to know of my attraction to men. He admitted to not having experience with sexuality, so he would take me through the repentance process as if I was addicted to pornography.
The following years held many tears, prayers, temple trips, and visits with my bishop. Surprise – I didn’t change. There were many nights I wanted to hurt or kill myself, but one experience stands out. It was late one night in my Junior year and I was standing on the edge of my high school roof looking down at the ground below. I felt hopeless, and the thought of death was comforting. While on the roof I texted a friend expressing my emotions and admitted to being on the roof.
They immediately reached out to my parents and got in their car and drove to the school. When I eventually climbed down from the roof, I saw my friend pulling into the parking lot, and not being in the right state of mind I sped away in my car. Worrying for my safety, my friend followed while calling the police. Frantically driving through town I ran red lights trying to lose my friend. The police caught up to us and pulled me over with my parents and friend in the cars behind.
I will never forget my mother dropping to her knees in the middle of the street, with her hands in the air begging for my safety. The night ended in the Emergency Room with my mom and dad holding my hands. About six months after that night my dear queer friend Wyatt Bateman took his own life at 17. I cannot adequately express the pain this loss brought me and so many others.
No mother should have to bury their child. I often think about where Wyatt would be now, where he would work, what his passions would be, and who he would love. I miss him. Through all the voices telling me to change, I didn’t, I couldn’t. I am so grateful I accepted myself and chose to live.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My 8-5, (M-F) job is for Material Handling Systems, a local business, essentially selling the shelves you see at Costco to businesses. Weekends are a different story.
I beat my face with makeup, put on fake hips, plastic hair, and heels, and dressed like a goddess. My drag outfits, wigs, and heels have officially taken over my bedroom. Veronika DaVil is known for dramatic facial expressions, custom mixes, singing, and hip thrusts. I set myself apart by being kind and funny while being fierce.
I have to thank my fellow performers for helping me improve my looks, performance, and makeup over the last year. I wouldn’t be where I am today without so many supportive people in my life.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My kindness, humor, and willingness to accept criticism have greatly contributed to my success. I am constantly pushing myself to try new things and accept new opportunities.
My support system is unwavering which has helped me push myself even more.
Pricing:
- $100 – Hosting with 1 Performance
- $65 – Per Performance
Contact Info:
- Email: msveronikadavil@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronikadavil/
Image Credits:
Hannah Celeste and Adam Sandberg
