London’s Night Czar gives her take on this year’s Pride celebrations
London’s esteemed Night Czar gives us some of her thoughts on pride, and what we can expect over pride weekend from a party she’s co-running, Gay Shame!
Hey Amy! How do you think LGBTQ nightlife is faring in London at the moment?
I think it’s growing and getting stronger. In my role as London’s Night Czar, I’ve been able to help LGBTQ nightlife to not just survive, but thrive. I’m very proud of that.
It’s PRIDE – What does pride mean to you?
It means being yourself, whatever that means for each of us – Pride in the diversity of our community!
What’s the best thing about London Pride?
It’s a focal point for the community- a time for us to check in with our rights, our progress, and what still needs to be done. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity within our community.
What do you think makes London’s LGBTQ scene so unique?
Our diversity is our strength. London’s LGBTQ scene has something for everyone – it’s why so many people want to live here, work here and party here.
What would you say to people who say pride’s become too commercial?
The argument that Pride is too commercial has been going on for decades – it’s nothing new. It’s important we remember our roots – Pride started as a protest, and I hope we never lose that fighting, questioning spirit in our community.
Would you say pride is a protest?
Pride is lots of different things for different people – it’s important Pride is as inclusive as possible, and space is made for all corners of our community
What are YOUR plans for this pride?
I’ll be leading the march with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. I’m lucky to work with a Mayor who is a loyal LGBTQ ally, and loves being part of Pride.
We love Duckie and Gay Shame, but for those who haven’t been, give us a summation.
It’s an alternative to the rainbow flag waving happy clappy homosexuality that goes on at Pride. It’s a reality check in the form of a queer, punky party.
What can we expect from this year’s party?
We’re taking over the public railway arch in Vauxhall for a performance party until 4am.There are 4 spaces – the pub, Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the street and the railway arch. The DJs are the Readers’ Wifes, Father Cloth, and yours truly. We’ve got lots of shows lined up too, from cross dressing gender bending contemporary dance duo Pink Suits, sixty and seventy-something elegant tap dancing troupe from the shires, Tap Cats, a supersonic sexy soprano Alex Bork and lots of ’sideshows’ from filth peddlar Lucia Pazzini. Plus a fat bloke peeling potatoes and a lesbian rolling fags. It’s £15 on the door, bit dearer than normal as it costs so much to set a stage and lights and sound in the arch and close off the public street.
GAY SHAME The Light at the End of the Tunnel SATURDAY 7 JULY 9pm – 4am Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the Street and the Railway Arch, £15, no advance sales
