A Pure Pride event is one of your best bets for a fantastic evening, and this year’s event in Edmonton just levelled up. Chad Michaels, winner of RuPaul’s All Starts Drag Race will be highlighting the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatic Championship After-Party at the Starlite Room on August 13th.

Michaels has carved a name for himself in pop culture history. As runner up of the fourth season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Superstar, Michaels is one of the most successful drag stars to date. For nearly two decades, Michaels has undeniably become the top Cher impersonator in the world, and continues to delight fans while performing with the Dreamgirls Revue in California, as well as touring both nationally and internationally.

GayCalgary had a chance to chat with Michaels about his upcoming visit, some thoughts about our persistence as a community, and his future plans.

GC: Have you ever been to Edmonton?

CM: No! I have visited Calgary twice working for Pure Pride and always love the warm Canadian welcome and the beautiful landscapes.

GC: Can you tell me about your start in drag?

CM: I was always a theatrical child. I started experimenting with drag in my late teens and my drag mother pushed me past the point of no return in my early twenties. Cher was not the original plan, but certainly worked out well in the end.

GC: Obviously being on Ru Paul’s Drag Race has changed your life. Can you tell us a bit about that?

CM: Drag Race gives any competitor some amazing exposure and a platform to do with whatever one endeavours to do. I have had the most amazing experiences and opportunities since my appearances on the show, and I’m so grateful to be able to visit and perform for you all in Edmonton!

GC: What can we expect from your performance at the PURE: AQUA-IGLA Closing Party?

CM: I will definitely be bringing Cher with me to Alberta, and possibly a character from my #CosplayJuly Cosplay Photo Series on my Social Media this month. Harley Quinn anyone?

GC: This year has been a challenging year for all of us in the queer community. Events such as the PURE: AQUA-IGLA Closing Party, in my opinion, strengthen our community. What are your thoughts on this year, and our persistence as a community?

CM: Throughout this very difficult year of human suffering, our community has above all shown its strength and ability to love and support in the face of true evil. We are inherently equipped to survive, as we have had to do all our lives, as members of the resilient LGBTQ community.

GC: What is next for you?

CM: I don’t know what’s next; I can’t see the future. I just know I will fulfill my purpose here and continue to Cher the love. See you all soon!