11/05/2025
Remembering Tanya Rachinee
Seattle has lost a radiant light with the passing of Tanya Rachinee, a beloved member of the LGBTQIA+ and Thai-American communities, remembered for her warmth, elegance, and unwavering authenticity.
On her social media, she bravely posted about her health issues, most recently posting a photo from her hospital bed wishing her friends a happy Halloween and vowing to fight on. She also posted a brain scan and a photo of a common cancer drug on her page.
Tanya’s journey—from Bangkok to Seattle’s stages, salons, and social halls—was a story of courage, transformation, and love.
Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Tanya immigrated to the United States at 19-years-old, seeking opportunity and self-determination.
“I would never have thought I’d be here in this country,” she told Seattle photographer Nate Gowdy for his The Heroes Project. “When I was 19, I changed my path because of everything I had to adapt to in a new country… I did kind of know what America was about from the movies, but it’s good movies are showing. You have certain expectations and you come here and it’s different. It’s pretty tough, but eventually you adapt, you learn.”
In Seattle, Tanya became known as a creative force and entrepreneur. She studied at The Art Institute of Seattle, worked as a digital creator, and also a beauty consultant at Clarins Nordstrom Downtown. She also operated Root Table, a Ballard restaurant recognized for its distinctive Thai flavors. The eatery earned acclaim in Seattle Magazine’s “Best of 2012” issue, with food critic Taneeka Hansen praising its “handmade curry paste featuring red chile peppers and shallots” and calling its pearl ocean salmon a “comfort on chilly winter days.”
She was proudly a member of the transgender community. “I can’t pretend to be someone who I am not to please everybody else,” she told Gowdy. “It’s not going to make me happy for myself. That’s when I decided to be honest. I’m already pretty lucky to have understanding parents.”
Tanya was crowned Miss API International 2001 and Miss U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle 2011–2012, representing the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance, where she used her platform to uplift other trans women and Pacific Islander sisters and served as thier past President. Her reign embodied her commitment to visibility, empowerment, and community love.
Tanya’s spirit of giving continued throughout her life. As owner of Root Table, she was honored by Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) with the 2016 Sponsor of the Year Award, recognizing her generous support for community causes. The organization had been co-founded by former SGN Associate Editor Shaun Knittel, who also served as its SOSea President.
Those who knew Tanya remember her kindness, style, and radiant smile—her ability to make anyone feel beautiful and seen. She had been described as a “woman that balanced strength and grace,” and who lived authentically and inspired others to do the same.
She is known to be survived by her sister, Chitmanat Nuntalogawithoon Mason, and her chosen mother, Aleksa Manila, according to her page. However, she leaves countless friends, family, and admirers across the Seattle LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
