Kylie Sonique Love: Embracing YOUphoria

Get ready for a night of dazzling performances and celebration of diversity as Kylie Sonique Love, the trailblazing winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 6, graces Sarnia with her presence! As the first person to come out as transgender on any reality TV show, Kylie has paved the way for countless others in the LGBTQ+ community. She will be performing at the highly anticipated event YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brew House, presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest. Joining her will be The Girlfriend Experience from Canada's Drag Race season 4, with the event hosted by Farra N Hyte and featuring incredible talents like Heaven Lee Hytes, Tommi Boy, Maple Queef, Poison, and Sarnia's own Brenda. This all trans and non-binary cast event is 19+ and free to attend, with donations supporting QT Camp, and will be followed by a dance. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of unity and celebration!

DRAG MAG: YOUphoria is an all trans and non-binary cast event. How important do you think it is to have events that specifically highlight trans and non-binary performers?

KSL: Oh, goodness. I think it's extremely important to include all kinds of performers, especially trans and non-binary performers. We've always been in these shows, and I think because it's taken a while for mainstream to realize that, that it kind of put a halt on how people viewed us in these shows. But I feel like trans and non-binary people have always been part of the drag world. And so it's nice to be recognized again.

DM: You made history as the first person to come out as transgender on a reality TV show. How do you reflect on that moment now, and what impact do you think it has had on the drag and LGBTQ+ communities?

KSL: At the time, when I came out as trans on Drag Race, I had no idea what I was doing and what I was saying was going to be a snowball effect. I feel like I was part of a snowball effect for the trans community, as far as mainstream for drag and mainstream exposure. Before then, we had Candis Cayne and Laverne Cox, but I'm really grateful that I could be that person. I know when I was a kid, I didn't have somebody like that to see, so I'm glad that I could be that for people coming up.

DM: Winning Drag Race All Stars season 6 was a monumental achievement. How has your life and career changed since taking home the crown?

KSL: Well, it's nice to be recognized for my talent, and that was nice to be able to come back to Drag Race and have people see me and see my talent. I feel like, as far as changed me, I don't feel like it's changed me at all. What I've realized is it's changed the people around me, and it's changed the way that people see me. But I feel like me, as a person, I haven't really changed. I just feel more seen, and I have noticed the change of the people around me, if that makes any sense. 

DM: What can the audience at YOUphoria expect from your performance in Sarnia?

KSL: I feel like people have an idea of what they think they're going to see when they see me, but I think ultimately, I just feel like it's going to be more than what they were expecting. It's going to be different and more than what they were expecting out of me, and I like that. People think they're going to get one thing, and I give them something else that they're going to like, too.

DM: How do you prepare for an event like this? Any pre-show rituals or routines?

KSL: I like to meditate. I really like to envision myself, before I go on stage, doing a good job, and positivity, and being able to not only do something that I can be proud of, but that other people can remember and be inspired by. And that I don't hurt myself when I'm on stage. Other things I like to do, I don't drink or anything like that. I'm not trying to get messed up before I go on stage. But I think for me, it's always been meditating. I always say a little prayer before I go on stage, and that really grounds me and allows me to feel safe and put on a good show.

DM: You’re joining a great lineup of performers for this event. What are you looking forward to most about sharing the stage with so much diverse talent?

KSL: I always have a good time when I'm working with people that I've never met before or new entertainers. I find that we're able to learn from each other, and it's just such a good feeling. A lot of good energy. Everyone being so excited, and I'm just so happy that I get to be a part of all that.

DM: This event supports QT Camp through donations. Why do you think it's important for the drag community to engage in and support charitable initiatives?

KSL: I think what's most important is community, and in order to have a strong community, we have to take care of that community, so being able to have charities that help fund the community is super important, because without each other, we have no community.

DM: You’ve had a remarkable journey from Drag Race season 2 to All Stars 6. How do you think the drag scene has evolved over the years, particularly regarding the inclusion and visibility of trans performers?

KSL: Where I'm from, we've always had trans people in the shows. If anything, we've had more trans people in the shows, but for a while, it seemed like it wasn't a place that we should be at because of the tone. I do feel like not having trans people on a show like RuPaul's Drag Race that's so mainstream and that it's a lot of people's first introduction to drag, it does a disservice to the community. So I think it's really incredible that we are back in the conversation, we are there, and it's a safe place for trans people to work. It's an environment where we can be celebrated for who we are.

DM: What advice would you give to young trans and non-binary individuals who are looking to get into drag and performance art?

KSL: I think the advice I would give anyone who is wanting to get into drag is just to have fun with it. Try to be unique and show off your talent. It's a good way to shine a spotlight on your talent. And just to take that what makes you special and embellish it and show it to the world. 

DM: Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the drag and LGBTQ+ communities?

KSL: One of my biggest inspirations in the drag and LGBT community would be RuPaul. RuPaul is a huge inspiration to me. Candis Cayne, Lady Bunny. Mr. Charlie Brown from Atlanta, she just passed away recently. They are like pillars in the community and they were on the front line so to speak. They were the voices and the faces of our community when it was not accepted, when you could be thrown in jail, easily hurt without any repercussions to the people who are hurting you. So I am inspired by the people who came before me.

“I just want to inspire people to go and live their dreams. Not just chase them but live them out.”

— Kylie Sonique Love

DM: What has been your favourite moment or performance in your drag career so far?

KSL: One of my favorite performances that I did was performing with Miley Cyrus. Being with her has really been a big highlight of my career. Doing the VMAs, which is something I was so inspired by as a kid and even as a young performer. I was always inspired by the VMAs. Then getting to do a Pride special with Miley in Tennessee, which is a very conservative state, and performing on the stage. It's the Ryman Theater, but it was originally the Grand Ole Opry where great people like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn performed. Those are women that I looked up to. To be able to perform on that stage with Miley and get to be myself and have a show of queer love and talent was great. Me and Miley did a show in Vegas on July 4th of 2021, and we were the first live show after the pandemic. That was really awesome to be able to share the stage, just me and her. The synergy that we had was so incredible, and I'll never forget that.

DM: Aside from performing, do you have any other projects or passions that you're currently working on or looking forward to in the near future?

KSL: There's a lot that I'm working on. I've been working on music. Right before I got back on All Stars I really focused a lot on writing and producing music. Also, I'm in the works of creating my own podcast. I just want to be able to share my voice and to have conversations with all different walks of life of people. I think it's really important. I'm really looking forward to the future and to my podcast and to produce some more music.

DM: What message do you hope to convey to your fans and the audience through your performances and presence in events like YOUphoria?

KSL: The message that I'd like to convey to the audience is to just show up and spread love. That's genuinely how I feel. I know it sounds pretty simple. I can show you better than I can tell you. Showing up and being myself and having confidence in front of a room full of people as a trans person, as a queer person, and as a person in general is inspiring. I just want to inspire people to go and live their dreams. Not just chase them, but live them out. That's what I'm doing when I'm on stage. I am living my dreams out loud. 

DM: What are you most excited about for the future of drag and the broader LGBTQ+ community?

KSL: I'm excited to see where else queer people can be celebrated other than just queer spaces. I think drag is the key that has opened the door for queer people to be celebrated. Not just because they do good hair or can rearrange a house and furniture. I think there's just so many stereotypes of what queer people only had a use for. I think we're able to do anything that anyone else is doing. I really feel like drag is definitely helping the world see queer people be stars and be successful at more than just queer entertainment. I can't wait to see what all else we can be. I can't wait until it's not just an LGBT community. I can't wait until we can just drop all of that and everyone just be one together. No matter how you identify or how you pray or how you love, I would ultimately like to see us break these acronyms and just be people again.

DM: And lastly, is there anything that you would like to add?

KSL: I would like to say I love Canada and anytime that I'm able to get to come to your beautiful country, I feel extremely blessed. Canada holds a dear place in my heart. They've always made me feel like a star and I hope to get to see more of Canada more often. Also, I would love for people to stream my music under Kylie Sonique Love and just follow up with me on my podcast. It's a passion project. I want people to know that I'm making music and I'm more than just a drag performer on stage. I can do other things to entertain.

Join Kylie Sonique Love and a stellar lineup of trans and non-binary performers at YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brew House. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this event promises an evening of extraordinary talent, community spirit, and unforgettable performances. Admission is free, with donations supporting QT Camp. Don't miss out on this spectacular celebration of diversity and inclusion!

By Kevin Blondin

YOUphoria
Saturday, July 13, 2024
At Imperial City Brew House, in Sarnia, Ontario

This article has been brought to you by Diversity Ed. in Sarnia, ON.

Brenda: Sarnia’s Rising Drag Artist Ready to Shine at Mosaic and YOUphoria

Meet Brenda, an 18-year-old drag queen from Sarnia, Ontario, who’s making waves as an indigenous artist and youth performer. With just over two years in drag, Brenda is set to captivate audiences at both Friday and Saturday night Sarnia Pride events—Mosaic at Refined Fool Brewing Co. and YOUphoria at Imperial City Brewhouse. Sharing the stage with international stars like Salina EsTitties and Kylie Sonique Love, Brenda opens up about her journey, inspirations, and the significance of pride events in her community.

DRAG MAG: How long have you been doing drag? 

Brenda: I have been doing drag for just over two years now, but I started playing around with makeup for just over three years. 

DM: How did you get into drag? 

B: I got into drag by seeing RuPaul's Drag Race on Netflix one day while I was looking for something to watch. I decided to put it on and immediately I was pulled right in. It was season 8 (the only season on Netflix at the time) and when I saw Naomi Smalls walk in I just knew that's how I wanted to be, stunning and fabulous. 

DM: How do you describe your drag aesthetic? 

B: I'd say my drag aesthetic is pretty broad honestly, sometimes I'll be in pastels with a pop vibe and the next I'll be in dark colours with a more alternative vibe. 

DM: What can you tell me about Sarnia’s drag scene?

B: Sarnia's local drag scene is quite a smaller one but we do have some hella cute and fierce queens. 

DM: Who are your biggest drag inspirations?

B: My biggest drag inspirations are Poison (my drag mother of course), Naomi Smalls and Kandy Muse. I also take a lot of inspo from Ariana Grande, Monster High dolls and Bratz dolls.

DM: You’re performing at both Mosaic and YOUphoria alongside other amazing artists like Salina EsTitties, Jada Shada Hudson, Kylie Sonique Love and The Girlfriend Experience. How do you feel about sharing the stage with such impressive international talent?

B: I feel very intimidated to share the stage with them but also very validated at the same time. I have looked up to these queens for a really long time, especially Kylie because she was one of the few trans queens on drag race and she won her All Stars season. It just makes me think and feel like I'm on the right track and keeps me looking forward for what's to come. 

DM: What can you tell us about the importance of events like this in our community?

B: It's so so important to have these pride events because it shows the resilience within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to keep going, to keep fighting for what's right. It's also entertaining to go out and see a drag show and just to get out at all. These events show that the whole community isn't going anywhere, and you can't just get rid of us. 

DM: This event is part of Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest. What does performing at Pride events mean to you?

B: Performing at pride events means literally the world to me because it's so special to be the representation people are looking for, I am a plus size, trans and indigenous performer. That is three groups alone of people that could possibly see a bit of themselves in me and that truly means a lot. 

DM: How important is it to you to represent your community in these events?

B: It's so beyond important for me to represent all my communities in these events because I know when I was younger I didn't have too many people to look to that were similar to me. I want people to be able to relate and feel seen. 

DM: Do you have any upcoming projects or events that you can share with us besides Sarnia Pride? 

B: I have another pride show July 27th at the Storm Stayed brewery hosted by Brattery Acid and Maple Queef. 

DM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

B: In 5 years I'd like to see myself as an even more successful drag queen, I would like to go to college for cosmetology and maybe fashion. I'm not too sure within 5 years but hopefully someday I'll be on Drag Race.

DM: Being an 18-year-old performer, what advice would you give to other young, aspiring drag artists who are eager to participate in their local drag scenes?

B: This is going to be a basic answer, but practice is so important. Just practice for a little bit then when you reach a place where you even feel a little bit confident, put yourself out there. Post on Instagram, reach out to local entertainers and Diversity ED is a really good place to go with helping out with new artists.   

DM: Lastly, what message do you hope to convey to your fans and the audience through your performances at Mosaic and beyond?

B: The message I hope to convey is to live your life how you want to and to have fun. I want people who see me perform to feel joy and just to vibe.  

Catch Brenda live at Sarnia Pride events this July! Don’t miss her performances at Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Co., and at YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brewhouse. Join the celebration, support local talent, and enjoy a night of spectacular drag performances. Admission is free, with donations supporting QT Camp. See you there!

By Kevin Blondin

Mosaic
Friday, July 12, 2024
At Refined Fool Brewing Co. in Sarnia, Ontario

YOUphoria
Saturday, July 13, 2024
At Imperial City Brewhouse in Sarnia, Ontario