The Hole World

Cult queer performer Holestar returns to Dalston’s Vogue Fabrics this February with her autobiographical show ‘Sorry I’m a Lady’, telling the story of her heterogeneous life to date, through song, storytelling and humour; from being a private in the British Army to strutting it out as an opinionated artist, pop star and DJ via a saucy spell as a professional Dominatrix. Jason Reid caught up with her…


 

Cabaret Circuit 

Audiences are changing and want a variety bucket of entertainment. There’s a place for all of us, and it’s great to see queer venues like The Black Cap and Vogue Fabrics hosting new and innovative nights. I want to see more people recognised for their talents, not their networking or non-sexual arse licking capabilities. When you’re in showbiz, schmoozing is the nature of the beast, but it’s my least favourite thing. I’d rather spend more time being fabulous. There’s some marvelous acts out there, but I’d like to see more creativity in burlesque. Ooh, you’re taking your clothes off and have nice tittys. That’s lovely, dear. Now entertain me.

 

Queer Culture 

We need and deserve a more positive and honest representation of queers in mainstream culture and media. It won’t eradicate homophobia and transphobia overnight, but I believe perceptions would change; visibility is empowering. I love seeing effeminate asexual gay men on TV, but where are the others? The bears, the twinks, the trans, the femme lesbians, the average Joe or Josephine? Within gay culture, sex sells and there’s nothing wrong with that, but when it becomes the only selling point, it makes us collectively appear incredibly vapid and one dimensional. If I see one more venue bang on about how ‘sexyfunkycool’ their night is, I’ll vomit in my clutch bag.

 

Facebook

Anyone who posts about the inane details of their life more than three times a day should have all their nasal hair plucked out. I’ve had to unfollow some serial offenders recently. I still like them, I’m just not interested in their every bowel movement. It’s been fascinating, however, to see more political posts and links to online petitions on Farcebook. Even the most apathetic person scans these posts and that information gets stored away somewhere, which can only be a good thing. Nonsense and gossip is fabulous, but there are some horrible things happening to our queer siblings around the world and if we can help, we should. Even if it is just signing an online petition. (They do work by the way!)

 

“Yes, I’m a grumpy mare sometimes, but I like me. You should like you, too. The biggest love affair you should ever have is with yourself. “

 

UK Politics

It’s depressing that so many in the UK don’t vote. Everyone should exercise that right, but then again, why should anyone be interested when most politicians have the personality of wallpaper paste? British politics appears to be full of uninspiring rich twats who’ve been media trained to a state of dullness. Where’s the fire, the chutzpah? They shouldn’t have to resort to showbiz tactics but should get some razzle dazzle to get people interested. They all need some clear policies, too. I also find it incredibly baffling how any queer person can vote Conservative. Do they not remember Section 28?

 

Pop Music 

You can look objectively at the history of pop music over the past sixty years and there’s been amazing work in various genres. Yet the past five years or so of the pop charts has been largely drivel. I’m a rave baby and adore dance music, but I loathe what David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Will.i.Am have done to pop music. EDM is noise made with no heart or passion. Current pop is either banging noise, middle of the road indie dirge, or people trying to sound wistful and cool. Give me fun, up, pop trash any day.

 

Herself

I’m very opinionated (obviously). I swear too much. I’m addicted to sugar. These are the things I’d change about myself. Being overweight is laziness, pure and simple. I’m confident enough not to care what I look like, but love that I regularly throw my head into a box of make up and get to play dress up. I wouldn’t change a thing about my past. It’s been an unconventional journey from the army to professional domination, art to queer showgirl, and it’s been tough, but it all makes me who I am today. Yes, I’m a grumpy mare sometimes, but I like me. You should like you, too. The biggest love affair you should ever have is with yourself.

 

• Sorry I’m a Lady runs at Vogue Fabrics from Monday 10th-Saturday 15th February. Holestar will also be hosting England’s only official weekly screenings of RuPaul’s Drag Race at Madame JoJos from the end of February.

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