The Albert Kennedy Trust, the charity for young, homeless LGBT people, and the Admiral Duncan are once again taking over Soho on Sunday 16th September for the 2nd annual Soho Drag Race.
Expect scores of cocks in frocks to be tottering frenetically around the streets of Soho, hosted by Candy Slag In Drag and Coronation Street star Charlie Condou. We sent Lee Dalloway to have a chat with the gorgeous host and glamorous hostess…
CHARLIE CONDOU
What appeals to you most about the Albert Kennedy Trust and how did you get involved with the Soho Drag Race?
I’ve been working with the AKT for a while now and am honoured to be a patron. I’ve met a lot of the kids they work with and they are truly amazing. My teen years, like most kids’, were tough and having to deal with my sexuality on top of that was hard, but at least I had the overwhelming support of my family.
I met a young Muslim girl through AKT who came out to her mother. She was given a gun and a copy of the Koran and told to choose. The AKT works with kids in similar situations everyday. I can’t begin to imagine how tough life is for them.
You’re co-hosting with Candy Slag In Drag. Have you had the pleasure of meeting her? Are you scared? You should be!
I don’t think I’ve met her yet but her reputation precedes her. I’m not scared. I can’t imagine she’s as much a slag as I was in my day!
Will you not be tempted to put some heels on and mince round Soho yourself?
Not a chance! Though I’ve got great legs obviously. My days of drag are long gone.
According to Will & Grace, your drag name will be the name of your first pet and the first street you lived on. That would make mine Sparkie Woodlands. What would yours be? [This is hard hitting journalism right here!]
Hardy Hatton. If that isn’t a 70’s gay porn star name then I don’t know what is!
CANDY SLAG IN DRAG
I always knew I had a part to play in London 2012’s great summer of sport. But when my sporting potential was overlooked by Team GB I thought the dream was over.
Then I got the call from Lord Taylor of the Drag Race Organising Committee. I cart wheeled down Old Compton Street and ‘revealed’ all at the Admiral Duncan.
Last year I was disqualified for allegedly breaking the rules, but still had a great day, and this year promises to be even better.
My top tips for the athletes entering this year’s race are:
1) Don’t worry there is no dope testing
2) Alcohol numbs the pain
3) None of those bitches are your friend
4) The sponsorship money’s already been paid and that’s not actually your real name.
Straight after the race we have the closing ceremony featuring some of the capital’s finest cabaret names, possibly on crutches, bruised and battered on our outdoor stage – Baga Chipz, Vicki Vivacious, Mrs Moore, Bette Rinse, Rose Garden, Mandy Gap and Tanya Hyde.
And then for those still standing, come and join us for the biggest of parties at the host venue ‘Admiral Duncan’ with even more cabaret.
• The minimum requirement for the race is that racers either wear heels or race 3-legged with a racing buddy. The event is free to register and the AKT just asks of each participant to try to raise at least £50, the cost of a weekend off the streets for a young LGBT person in crisis.
• To register, just fill out a registration form, which can be found in local Soho venues and hand it in at the Admiral Duncan. Alternatively, you can register online at: www.akt.org.uk/dragrace-2012.html
• The winner awarded a trophy and crowned Drag Race Champion! A prize will also be awarded to the person who brings in the most sponsorship.
