He Won’t Win, Help Vantasia Rise

My name is Vantasia Divine, also known as Kobe Carruth.

I never thought I’d be writing this, but I’m at a point where I can’t keep carrying everything on my own.

Recently, I escaped an abusive relationship. Walking away saved my life, but it left me with almost nothing. When I came back to the home we shared, it was empty. My ex cleared it out, my belongings scattered, my drag disheveled, bills unpaid for months. Everything I thought I had built was gone overnight. I’m starting over from zero, with nothing but resilience and a broken heart.

And I know some people will ask: why not just step back from pageantry? The truth is, because I won’t let him win. My abuser tried to destroy me. He threatened to kill me, hit me, and tried to ruin my name in the very community that saved me. But through all of that, I still found a way to grow. I took that pain and poured it into my art, into my packages, into every ounce of drag I do. Drag has always been my lifeline, and competing isn’t just about crowns; it’s about proving that no one can take away what I’ve fought for.

That’s why this opportunity means so much. I’ve qualified to compete for National Entertainer of the Year, and for Miss Gay America, where I’ll be making history as the first-ever bearded queen. This is bigger than me. This is about showing survivors, outsiders, and dreamers everywhere that you can rise even when someone tries to break you.

But right now, I am drowning. The bills are stacking up, the resources are gone, and the dream feels like it’s slipping further away each day. I’ve worked myself to exhaustion trying to claw back some stability, but it isn’t enough.

I hate asking for help; it’s not who I am. But I know this is one of those moments where I can’t do it alone. If you can give anything, no matter how small, it will go directly to helping me rebuild, survive, and keep pushing forward. Your support could be the reason I’m able to walk on that stage, not just as a performer, but as living proof that we can survive, rise, and shine again.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me.

Vantasia Divine

Gulf Coast EOY FI 2025