Pride doesn't end in June in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the Gritty City to the south has been growing its Pride activities for years, usually during the second weekend in July.

One of the most anticipated parties of the Tacoma Pride season is the official Tacoma Pride Block Party at The Mix. Over the last decade, it has grown from a simple street festival into a major sold-out event. This year's lineup is positively sickening in all the best ways!

Among the heavy-hitting performers in this year's festivities is Kendall Gender, a major player from Canada's Drag Race franchise. She was a competitor on season 2 of that country's Drag Race (2021) and was quickly invited back to compete in Drag Race: Canada vs. the World (2022).

We had a chance to chop it up with Kendall Gender in advance of her appearance at the block party.

LA Kendall LaBree: We are so excited to have you on the bill for the official Tacoma Pride Block Party this year! Have you ever been to Tacoma?

Kendall Gender: Yay! I'm excited too! I actually have never been to Tacoma, personally or for drag. So I'm ready to turn it out.

LAKL: We bet, and we can't wait! How did Kendall Gender come to be?

KG: I feel like drag and femininity always lived within me, even at a very young age. I was always the kid wearing my mom's big sun hats. So, in my early twenties, I basically went to a drag show and was so drawn to the characterization and idea of expression. It felt like such a safe space to just be yourself. So I just dove in head-first and never looked back.

LAKL: And look where it has landed you! Were you so excited to be selected for Canada's Drag Race?

KG: Of course! Drag Race is like the Olympics of drag, so it's like the ultimate recognition of your art form.

LAKL: You did an All Stars pretty quickly after your season. Was that expected, or were you surprised to be asked back so quickly?

KG: I was actually shocked to be asked back so quickly, but honestly, life is about taking risks! Even though the all-stars experience didn't go exactly how I wanted, it's just made me want to work even harder in my life and my career.

When you're on the show, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but after the show, you start to see it in a totally different light. The show is meant to be a game, full of ups and downs, twists and turns — but ultimately the intention is to create visibility for Queer people, and at its core it is full of love.

LAKL: Name one thing you are most surprised about in regard to being on the show.

KG: I think my biggest shift was being recognized out of drag. Like in the supermarket, people will run up to me and ask me for a picture. That was a huge shift from being incognito to a nice Queer celeb, haha.

LAKL: How has life changed since your Drag Race experience?

KG: Everything has completely changed. All my wildest dreams have come true, from performing all around the world to seeing myself in a cross-Canada ad campaign in drugstores. Little Ken would be smiling so big seeing all the stuff I have gotten to accomplish.

LAKL: I love that for you! What would you say are the biggest differences between the US and Canada Drag Race franchises?

KG: I can't fully speak to the behind-the-scenes aspects of the US franchise, but I know that on CDR it honestly is like one big family — everyone in front and behind the camera really have become laced up into each other's lives.

I think for me one of the most pleasant surprises was seeing how involved Brooke is with the contestants post show. She is always checking in on me, and even now will slide into my DMs and be like, "Girl, I like your makeup like that, do it more." She's like the momma bear to all of us.

LAKL: That's so special. We all need those types in our lives that provide support by projecting positive energy. Especially when you are putting yourself out there like you do. Who is your biggest inspiration?

KG: Beyoncé, duh!

LAKL: Okay, fair enough. She's very inspirational! What can the folks in Tacoma expect when Kendall Gender hits the stage on July 8?

KG: I guess you'll have to come and find out! *wink sound*

There you have it, folks! If you have not purchased tickets to the official Tacoma Pride Block Party, you better get on it. This event sold out last year, and with a DJ set from Monét X Change, performances by co-headliners Kendall Gender and Jayla Rose (Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls), and a slew of performances and DJ sets by some of the Pacific Northwest's best, it's bound to be one for the record books!

Tickets to the Tacoma Pride Block Party on July 8 are available at https://www.themixtacoma.com/pride-block-party-2023