Meet Espressa Grandé, Cody Peck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Espressa Grandé Cody Peck.

Espressa Cody, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Thank you for taking interest in my efforts toward achieving my biggest goal and boldest dream.

The national stage has been a dream of mine since my first musical theatre performance two decades ago. I have been actively pursuing this dream through the art female impersonation for the past three years when Espressa Grandé was brought to life. Through countless hours of observing, rehearsing, costuming, polishing and networking, I have taken the necessary steps to make this dream a reality.

The pageantry chapter in Espressa Grandé’s journey formally began in March, as I entered to compete in a citywide female impersonation pageant, the Miss Gay Melrose America Preliminary Competition. As part of this pageant, I competed for the honor of carrying this title throughout the coming year as well as a ticket to advance in the competition—and I took home the crown that night.

The next step in this contest was the Miss Gay Arizona America stage, the state-level pageant that took place on May 11. That evening, the top two contestants from each of the citywide prelims brought their wigs, sequins, sweat and tears in the categories of interview, evening gown, on-stage question and talent.

The event culminated with the moment of crowning, and I was overcome with emotions when my name was called. I had defied the odds and earned the title of Miss Gay Arizona America on my first attempt. With this prestigious title comes the duty to represent the State of Arizona for an entire year and the opportunity to advance to the Miss Gay America National Pageant taking place Oct. 2–5 in St. Louis, Missouri.

I still have my biggest performance of my career ahead me, but I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for the inspiration from my beautiful drag community and LGBTQIA+ family. From my amazing employer Hospice of the Valley for being soldiers of love standing beside me during this adventure, to the trailblazers of drag performers before me who have paved the way for newer artists like myself to have a platform to shine.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The past three years have been about as smooth as my fishnets. In all seriousness, I have been able to see the obstacles that I have encountered turn into the most beautiful realizations …

When I first considered competing in the Miss Gay America pageant system, I was very apprehensive. I assumed the system only wanted someone who fit the “cookie-cutter” version of a female impersonator: a size 2, 110-pound (soaking wet) drag queen who emulated a beauty queen.

What I realized, through the countless hours of preparation and hard work, was that they are merely looking to crown someone who can bring an elevated version of themselves to this title.

This was when #elevatedyou was born. I wear this hashtag as a badge of honor and hopefully a symbol of inspiration for all drag artists who have ever felt they didn’t “fit in” or currently feel as though they need to conform to a certain unwritten expectation. Never! Always strive to be an #elevatedyou, because diversity, representation, inclusion and visibility — the cornerstones drag was founded upon — is exactly what this platform needs to continue to stay relevant.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from others?
You can catch me, and a star-studded cast, every Friday night at Cruisin’ 7th Bar and Show Lounge for “Thank Grandé It’s Friday,” at 10:30 p.m. This platform is not only the canvas on which I share my art but also one that gives newcomer performers an opportunity to explore their expression in front of a live audience as they build their brand and embark on their own artistic journey.

My drag is very eclectic. I’ll give you Meryl Streep “Devil Wears Prada” boss babe (with mob wife suspenders) as well as Chipotle bowl-loving, donut dress-wearing, Lizzo pumping, proud woman with a Whataburger purse. Beyond the looks, I am known for my spoken-word and comedy numbers, but also love a gut-wrenching ballad that brings the audience to its knees. I also use my art to portray real-life struggles and bring forth conversations that need to be had, like voting and human rights.

Are you for real? It doesn’t happen until October, in St. Louis!  Oh thus far? Hands down my proudest moments, thus far, have been becoming a show director of my own show; becoming one of only three contestants to win the Miss Gay Arizona America title on their first try, and being the second plus-size drag queen in Arizona history to represent this state on the national stage. These moments make me the proudest because I fought for each one, while being 100% myself, and being an “elevated me.”

Regardless of what happens at Miss Gay America in October, I am so honored to be representing the city that I love alongside the most elite group of female illusionists from across the country.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Even though it feels like the Devil sat right in this canyon we call Phoenix with this heat, ABSOLUTELY! Phoenix is a melting pot of so many amazing entertainers. From all walks of Drag Illusion! From drag queens to drag kings, to Bio Kings and Bio Queens, there is such a rich culture of performance art in the Valley, that will really make anyone just testing the waters of drag feel welcomed and appreciated. Like the good ole Lady Christian always says “sugar, if you aint movin’ you are takin up space.” There is always room to improve. I have based my platform since the beginning on being a place for new entertainers to have a place to shine. They are the future! After I’m gone, they will be the ones leading another coven of artistic humans and it would be a disservice to my craft and community to not want to make the best #elevatedyou they can be!

Pricing:

• Thank Grandé It’s Friday – Cruisin’ 7th Show Lounge – $3 cover

Contact Info:

• Email: EspressaGrande@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/espressagrande
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CodyJohnPeck

Image Credit:
Scotty Kirby
AZCentral

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