Discover How XB Valentine’s Journey from Darkness to Self-Love Inspires a Generation
What if the person you’ve been seeking love and validation from has been in the mirror all along? This is the powerful realization of XB Valentine, a groundbreaking first-generation queer Latina artist whose music and story resonate with authenticity and resilience. Through her journey, she has transformed personal hardships into a vibrant tapestry of self-love and purpose, using her unique voice to inspire others to embrace their true selves. Dive into the world of XB Valentine, where every lyric is a reflection of her raw truth, and self-discovery becomes an anthem for all those listening.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m XB Valentine, a first-generation queer Latina musician. I’ve been in the music industry for over a decade, representing my communities as a woman, a queer individual, and a first-generation American.
You grew up in Georgetown, Texas, which isn’t typically recognized for its music scene. How did your roots and Latin identity influence your music and perspective?
Growing up, I was exposed to diverse music styles. My mom, who came to the U.S. young, introduced me to hip hop, while my dad, who moved here at 21, kept Spanish music alive in our home. My sisters brought 90s R&B into the mix. This variety ignited my passion for music. Georgetown, mainly a retirement town without a music scene, is close to Austin, the music capital, where I found my opportunities and started my career.
In such a small town environment, did you feel any pressure to defy expectations and stay true to yourself?
Certainly. Being first-generation and growing up bilingual added unique challenges, but it also strengthened my resolve to represent and honor my identity through my music.
Can you share more about your childhood experiences, especially since you’re a first-generation American?
Growing up as one of the few Latino kids in Georgetown made me feel like an outsider. I often felt out of place among my peers, who didn’t share the same immigrant background or struggles. This motivated me to embrace my identity and push for recognition, showing that there are many of us here who deserve acknowledgment and representation.
What were some of your day-to-day experiences as a child that helped shape who you are?
I was quite independent and had a vivid imagination. As the youngest, my siblings were much older, so I often entertained myself. This is where my self-sufficiency and creativity developed. I loved drawing and teaching myself new skills out of boredom. My parents worked a lot, instilling a strong work ethic in me from an early age. Despite the challenges, I had a good childhood and never felt I lacked anything. My father’s dedication to work, even today, inspires me to always give my best.
Beyond the immigrant work ethic that you mentioned, what kept you motivated through early challenges on your musical journey?
I’ve always felt a deep alignment with music, like it’s truly what I’m meant to do. That feeling keeps me going, even during tough times. There are moments of doubt when things don’t go as planned, but sharing stages with artists like Joyner Lucas and Ashanti reminds me I’m on the right path. It’s a privilege, and it reinforces my belief to trust the journey and persist. I focus on taking things day by day, working tirelessly each day toward my goals without planning too far ahead. I trust there’s a plan for me, and my part is to work hard and have faith that everything will fall into place.
Was there a defining moment when you knew you truly belonged in the music scene?
Definitely. It was during a show where I opened for Joyner Lucas in San Antonio around 2022 or 2023. Although I had performed many shows and received good feedback, this particular night stood out. As an opener, the crowd didn’t know me, yet the response and energy I felt solidified my confidence and made me feel like I truly belonged in this space. It was a pivotal moment that reinforced my commitment to this journey.
You have a song called “With You” that became a TikTok sensation. What was it like to see an anthem you created turn into a movement?
It was surreal. “With You” was my second single after signing with my manager. I didn’t typically use hashtags, but he encouraged me to hashtag LGBT-related tags on TikTok. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to box myself in or be seen only as an LGBT artist. Still, I followed his advice, and the next morning, it had exploded—20,000 likes and countless comments from queer girls saying I inspired them. Coming out at 21, I was still figuring myself out, so initially it was scary to be so open and proud.
But seeing the positive feedback, realizing the power of authenticity, was life-changing. It made me realize I could help others feel comfortable being themselves. Young girls messaged me saying I gave them the courage to come out to their parents—that hit me hard. My manager encouraged me to embrace my identity fully, and now I’m unapologetically myself. If people are offended by my being gay or showing pride, that’s on them; I do it for those who need representation and inspiration. That song marked a pivotal point—it allowed me to be truly me, and I refuse to live in a box or feel pressured to define myself narrowly.
Do you ever feel pressure to define yourself within a specific genre or box?
No, not really. I prefer to stay open and authentic rather than confine myself to labels. As an artist and a person, I want to express myself freely without feeling forced into a genre or a box.
Have you ever faced moments where your openness as a queer artist has been challenged, especially on platforms like Facebook?
Absolutely. I’ve gone viral on Facebook, where the comments can be quite harsh and homophobic. That was the first time I felt criticized for being openly gay. It made me question whether I should be so loud and proud, wondering if I should tone it down out of fear of how some people perceive me. But ultimately, I realized my purpose is about representation. I’ve been waving the LGBT flag for years, and I still have more male listeners—many aren’t gay—who appreciate my music. That shows me that if people truly love the art, they’ll accept the artist, regardless of labels. The right tribe will find me, and I don’t need to worry about those who don’t.
How does your authentic self show up in your music, style, and life?
I don’t like to limit myself creatively. My writing is all about real experiences—whether recent, from years ago, or hypothetical. I try to be as honest and blunt as possible because music is my release and coping mechanism. For example, I once wrote a raw song about a toxic relationship from years ago. I was scared to release it, worried about her reactions, but I realized it was part of my truth. Sharing that honesty connects with people, and I’ve received positive feedback because my authenticity shines through. People can hear the raw emotion, and that’s what I aim for—to make them feel what I feel. My style mixes masculine energy with a mysterious edge—something that’s very much part of my genetic makeup.
How has fashion become a form of self-expression and resistance for you?
It’s funny because I struggled with insecurities for a long time. I was overweight until my early twenties, and I hated how I looked. I avoided tight clothes and spent years feeling self-hate, even avoiding mirrors. But as I learned to love myself internally, fashion started to play a role. I used to dislike shopping and fashion because I felt I couldn’t pull off what I liked. When I started losing weight, I gained confidence and began experimenting, slowly embracing different styles. I loved the 90s looks—like Aaliyah and Missy Elliott—with their bold, feminine, yet swaggy energy. Over time, I found my style, mainly wearing baggy clothes because that’s what felt comfortable and right for me. Now, I’m learning to wear tighter clothes—and it’s an ongoing journey of self-love. Ultimately, I love myself more than ever, and that confidence fuels how I express myself.
What message do you want your listeners to carry after they listen to your music?
I want people to know that even in dark times, there’s always a light. My story has had many tough moments, but I’ve come out of it. I want my music to reflect those hardships but also show resilience. For example, my song “Dark Days” talks about my struggles from childhood to now, but by the end, it’s about survival and standing tall. I want listeners to feel that even when life feels impossible, they can get through it. I use music as therapy—after enduring therapy from age 16 to 22, I learned how vital it is to process emotions through lyrics. My hope is that my platform can inspire healing and growth.
Can you share a moment that radically shifted your perspective or your art?
When I was around 16, I went through a severe mental health crisis with psychosis episodes that upended my world. I felt out of touch with reality and had to seek help. Opening up about that now is important because it was pivotal in my journey. Surviving those dark times made me grateful to be alive and more intentional with my life and art. It showed me how precious life is, and now I focus on appreciating the happiness and health I have. That experience fundamentally changed my perspective and deepened my appreciation for life.
What has your journey taught you about hardship and self-love?
More than anything, I’m grateful for the hardships. Without them, I don’t believe I’d appreciate life—and myself—the way I do now. Those dark moments taught me lessons I couldn’t learn any other way. Even when I wanted to give up, somethingdeeper kept me going: my purpose. That little voice inside me, the younger version of myself who felt hopeless, is what fuels my resilience. I do it all for her.
If you could send a message to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her to stop seeking love from everyone else because she already has it—inside herself. The person who can truly love and validate me was in the mirror the whole time. Once I realized that, everything fell into place. The key to my peace was learning that I am the only one who can give me the love I need. That’s the real power of self-love.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
