Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Gonzalez.
Hi Alexis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Alexis, but in the cannabis world and creative spaces, I’m also known as The Queertender — because I’m queer, I’m tender, and I love serving dabs. I’ve lived many lives: performer, cannabis educator, brand ambassador, and most recently, a community-rooted presence in San Diego’s evolving cannabis and creative scenes.
I started out performing music under the name Lillian Lefranc — a name that holds the theatricality and soul of the artist I’ve always been. Back then, cannabis helped soothe my nerves before stepping onstage. It gave me the courage to be vulnerable in public — to say something meaningful through song. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted to give others the same kind of comfort and clarity. That opened the door to a deeper relationship with cannabis, not just as a consumer, but as someone who could guide others with care.
I volunteered at a glamping-style women’s retreat from 2016 to 2019, offering cannabis education, dab services, and musical performances. That experience planted the seed for what I now offer through my community-facing cannabis work — a blend of education, ritual, tenderness, and fun. I’ve since built a professional career in cannabis dispensaries, marketing, and event coordination, but I always come back to connection: holding space, answering questions, and helping people feel at ease.
Alright, 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?
Not exactly smooth — but definitely meaningful. I’ve had to navigate a lot of internal rewiring. Like many queer and neurodivergent folks, I grew up in environments that tried to box me in. So much of my journey has been about unlearning control, finding softness, and learning how to care for myself without burning out.
Physically, there have been challenges too. I live with chronic pain, and there have been times when that’s affected my ability to show up for work or music in the ways I used to. I’m learning to listen to my body. Sometimes that means rolling a blunt and laying down. Sometimes it means saying “no” to the gig, or taking a gummy to ease my back spasms before bed.
I’ve also felt the weight of invisibility — of being queer, non-binary, and a person of color in industries where representation is still growing. That’s part of why I try to hold space intentionally now. Whether I’m educating someone on the best tool for their concentrate, helping a guest feel seen at a cannabis lounge, or singing from a backyard stage, I want people to know they’re not alone.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work at the intersection of cannabis, creativity, and community. I’ve built a career in dispensary operations, retail marketing, and event coordination — but what I’m really known for is the energy I bring to every table I tend.
As The Queertender, I offer more than just dabs. I bring education, accessibility, and ceremony to cannabis consumption. My setup isn’t just a party trick — it’s a way to create intentional space for people to ask questions, explore products, and consume in ways that feel comfortable and empowering. I tailor sessions to people’s needs and preferences, whether they prefer flower, glass, or solventless options.
I’ve also offered my services at private events — weddings, birthdays, intimate educational gatherings — and each time, the goal is the same: to foster curiosity and connection. What sets me apart isn’t just what I serve, but how I serve it. People don’t always remember what strain they tried, but they remember how they felt — and I aim to make that feeling welcoming, safe, and full of heart.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Some of my happiest memories are from the road. My parents made it a priority to travel while we were growing up. Whether we were matching in neon 90s outfits or laughing in the backseat with my brother, there was always a sense of adventure. Both my mom and dad wanted us to feel safe — and to feel the world was worth exploring.
We visited family across different parts of Mexico, and those trips left a deep imprint on me. I remember the smell of the air, the music, the food, and the freedom. I even got to ride horses on my own — which, as a kid, felt huge. My parents trusted me with that experience, and that trust left a mark. It helped me feel capable and brave in the world.
And of course — Disneyland. I loved it as a kid. The magic, the colors, the feeling that anything was possible. For my 15th birthday, my parents surprised me with a trip to Disney World. It was unforgettable. I look back and realize how lucky I was to have parents who prioritized joy and wonder. That sense of play, that spark — I would like to think that it still lives in me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeertender
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lillianlefranc
Image Credits
Lilli Caroom
