London’s favourite party brand KU hosts mammoth drag extravaganza in aid of trans charities.
KU Bar on Lisle Street is one of London’s most recognizable gay venues – perched on the corner of Lisle Street, it’s a beacon for locals and tourists alike, enticing crowds of all backgrounds and walks of life. They always do a big charity event in recognition of one of the most important events on the LGBT+ calendar, World AIDS Day. Despite huge advances in the fight against HIV and AIDS, it’s still something that has a significant effect on our community – particularly the gay and trans corners of it.
In recognition of that, as well as KU’s always popular World AIDS Day charity auction, there’ll be a 6 hour Drag-A-Thon in Klub downstairs. Guests will be asked to donate £5 entry fee, which will go to 56T.
56T is a trans and non-binary support group which meets every Wednesday at sexual health clinic 56 Dean Street. Funds will also go to TransBootCamp, a new interactive workshop offering support and guidance to those taking their first steps into transition. Both 56T and TransBootCamp are overseen by activist Rebecca De Havilland.
“For me it’s still important to mark WORLD AIDS DAY,” says Rebecca. “To remember who we lost and to remind people that HIV is still with us , also HIV is not fussy so it doesn’t discriminate about what gender , colour, religion or sexual persuasion you are.”
“The relationship between World AIDS Day and the trans community is to try and lift stigma for the trans community, to get tested and know the importance of being in control of your sexual health. As a trans woman it’s double stigma if you are diagnosed, so it’s important to know about PrEP and other treatments and their manageability.”
The night is a collaboration with scene icon Lady Lloyd’s popular “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” weekly drag showcase at KU Bar.
“With the amazing advances in science and medicine, its important to raise awareness that new HIV infections are still occurring everyday within our community,” says Lloyd. “We need to remember to always protect ourselves which for me, means taking my daily PrEP tablet. It’s also a chance, particularly for us older queens, to remember those who are no longer with us.”
“For Sunday’s event, I’ve put together ten of the very best scene stars, all who have kindly donated their time free of charge, so we can have all night drag-a-thon with shows right through until 3am. And of course I’m sure I’ll be up doing Shania at some point, after all….I feel like a woman!”
The night will see performances by acts from across the gender spectrum, including Holestar, Paviola, Adam All, Herr and Tayce.
Ku Bar’s World AIDS Day Drag-A-Thon is on Sunday 1st December at Ku Lisle Street, 30 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA. 9pm – 3am. £5 entry donation, with proceeds going to 56T and TransBootCamp.
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