When someone vandalized our Pride flag and destroyed our garden pots in June of 2024, they probably thought they’d scare us into silence. Instead, they accidentally created “the Gayest house in Raymond” — our fabulous response that became a beacon for every Queer person who needed to see that they belonged here.

That’s Pacific County Pride in a nutshell: we don’t just survive adversity, we bedazzle it and turn it into community magic.

After moving here in 2021, I joined co-founders Jeff Karnatz and Jessica Porter in 2022 to expand what had become a grassroots phenomenon. Our mission to “love the hate out of Raymond” has grown into something extraordinary: a movement spanning two cities, with drag extravaganzas that would make RuPaul weep with pride.

This year’s June 21–22 celebration features the crown jewel: drag shows hosted by The Ladi Vixxen that have become our absolute highlight, proving that rural Pride doesn’t just survive but serves looks with sequins on.

The numbers tell our incredible story. Our faithful sponsors Inatai Foundation, CHOICE Health, and Crisis Support Network have believed in us since 2022, and are now joined by over 75 donations from local businesses and community members who’ve made this year our most supported yet.

But the real magic happens watching families drive hours to see drag performances that leave everyone screaming with joy, or witnessing 82-year-old Doug learn to be the perfect grandpa to his newly out grandson.

Pacific County isn’t Seattle or Portland — we’re something better. We’re proof that love grows everywhere, especially in logging towns where flannel meets feathers and everyone goes home feeling fabulous. Our celebration happens where ancient Douglas firs provide natural confetti and the Willapa River reflects rainbow flags like nature intended.

We’ve learned that rural accessibility means scheduling around fishing seasons, partnering with affirming churches, and understanding that when your nearest Starbucks is an hour away, community becomes everything. Our programming reflects this through quilting circles where PFLAG parents collaborate with drag performers, youth spoken word performances about growing up Queer in logging towns, and volunteer firefighters rocking rainbow suspenders.

As I transition from coordinator to cheerleader, the grassroots investment continues exploding. Our drag shows have become legendary — The Ladi Vixxen brings performances that transform our small-town venues into glittering temples of joy, where everyone leaves feeling ten feet tall and absolutely fabulous.
This year, Pride is more vital than ever. In times when our rights and visibility face increasing challenges, Pacific County stands as proof that love wins loudest in unexpected places. We need you here, whether you’re driving from Seattle or walking from next door, because every person who shows up makes our message of hope stronger.

Join us June 21–22. Come for the drag shows that will leave you gagging, stay for the community that will make you family.
Pacific County chose hope over hate. Now we’re BOLDY GAY, BOLDLY RURAL, and BOLDLY UNSTOPPABLE. Be part of the magic!


More information is at www.pacificcountypride.com and facebook.com/PacificCountyPride.