QX cabaret editor Jason Reid muses on what Pride and its relationship with cabaret mean
A Pride without cabaret and drag would be like a one-day heatwave without Brits moaning about how unbearably hot it is – never gonna happen. This year’s Pride in London theme is Pride Jubilee, which celebrates 50 years of LGBTQ+ activism born out of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969.
Drag beings have more often than not been at the forefront of the push for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. I’m sure people who are well versed in queer history will know that, and agree with me when I say how grateful we are to the femme drag queens and butch drag kings and all else in between.
On Pride Day, as always, there’ll be shows and events taking place across London. There really is something for everyone. I usually start out at the Cabaret Stage up in Dean Street; it’s very well organized, with a mix of new and established acts – including the Pride’s Got Talent finalists who are all very talented (I should know, I was a judge). You can also see Chanel No. 5, Marnie Scarlet, Seann Miley Moore, The Nightbus, Charlie Hides and the brilliant Drag Syndrome on the cabaret stage, with hosts including Stephanie Von Clitz, Vinegar Strokes and more.
Just around the corner on Old Compton Street, Admiral Duncan always has a packed schedule but be warned: it gets very crowded. I remember how difficult it was trying to squeeze through the throngs last year, albeit I had a busy queen with me who was huffing and puffing, pulling a drag bag behind her. BUT, do make a beeline for the Admiral if you can; there you can see Baga Chipz, Son Of a Tutu, Martha D’Arthur, PoppyCock and Topsie Redfern to name but a few.
If you’re planning to hang out at Trafalgar Square to see Billy Porter do his thing then definitely nip across the road to Halfway II Heaven – always a great vibe and a warm welcome. Again, it will be busy so do be prepared for a queue. But it’s worth it once you’re settled downstairs. There you’ll be treated to shows from Mrs Moore, Sandra, Bette Rinse, Miss Penny, Myra DuBois, Heart & Soul and LOADS more.
Down on the Southbank it’s The Glory’s Alternative Pride Weekender at the River Stage, hosted by Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, featuring a gaggle of Glory stars including Grace Shush, Lavinia Co-Op and Sooz Kempner.
Special mention goes to the Retro Bar which is a cracking queer boozer all year round and on Pride Day has music from Heidi Heelz, Michael Kelly, Josh Quinton and Lush.
As night draws in, Pride becomes less about central London and more about the cabarets and parties happening at the RVT (Duckie: Gay Shame), Two Brewers, The Glory, The Eagle, The Apple Tree, The Old Ship, Central Station and The Chateau. Check their respective websites and social media for more details.
Support these queer venues as a priority, even it it means having to queue up a bit longer. You’ll survive. Most of them are providing free or subsidised entertainment all day long. These spaces are important. If there’s a need for the community to come together, to raise money or awareness, to speak out, these venues will be there as hubs all year round – Wetherspoons won’t.
Pride is a time to reflect, as well as party and remonstrate, and next year will be my 20th in London. There’s no doubt that as a community we’ve made incredible strides. Laws and attitudes have changed. But in 2019 hate crimes still exist; in fact they’re on the rise. Look out for your LGBTQ+ siblings – regardless of their gender, skin colour, mannerisms, appearance. We are ALWAYS stronger together.
As a cisgender gay man who has always naturally acted more feminine and who is still, in my late 30s, frightened to act this way in certain social situations through fear of attack, I strongly believe in supporting and amplifying the experiences of the most vulnerable, and I urge fellow gay men to do the same. Don’t sneer, laugh, or ignore those you don’t understand. Get to know them and reach out. We’re all in this together. Spread love and stay safe. Happy Pride!
https://qxmagazine.com/listing/london-pride-2019/
