The Commonwealth Games 2022 opened in Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium to a high camp performance from Ginny Lemon. Hovering above the stadium in a lemon shaped balloon, the crowd applauded as Ginny sang to the enthusiastic audience. Fans were elated as Ginny shouted out their catch phrase “fancy a slice” and Matt Lucas took to social: “This Commonwealth Games opening ceremony is wild. I love it.”
Post games, Ginny took time out for a quick chat with QX. Passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, it’s very clear that Ginny doesn’t have any time for the current Government. Indeed, they were spitting feathers at the sheer mention of them! We’re with you Ginny!
QX interviews Ginny Lemon
You famously appeared at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in a large lemon hot air balloon. What was going through your mind as you were getting ready for take off?
The only thing going through my mind was to do a good job! Don’t fuck it up! I was honoured to be involved and to represent the West Midlands, particularly the queer community so I wanted to do them and myself proud and do a fabulous job.
35 Commonwealth nations are noted for their anti-LGBTQ+ laws, seven of which have a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. How would you feel about participating in the Commonwealth games if they were being held in one of those countries?
The reason why I participated was because it was in Birmingham, and from Birmingham I was able to project a positive queer performance into over a billion peoples homes including those countries where it is illegal to be out and free as LGBTQ+ – showing that Birmingham and the whole of the West Midlands is a queer positive and friendly space. I feel elated to be able to do so and grateful to my community for letting me.
Our community, non-binary and transgender people in particular, are being attacked in a culture war. Do you have any words for Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss?
What we really need to be doing is getting the Tory’s out – all of this election for the new leader, to be the king, is a big distraction. What we need to be doing is voting them all out of any position of power. [Ed: Expletives removed! lol]
I’d like you to imagine flying high in that balloon and looking down on the populations below. What are your fears and hopes for the future of humanity?
Free and legal weed
Your much publicised chat with fellow non-binary Drag Race competitor Bimini Bon-Boulash has been credited with helping non-binary people to come out. What words of support would you share with our readers who might be questioning? Are there any particularly helpful resources out there for non-binary people who are going through the coming out process?
The best resource you will ever find is your queer family, physically and spiritually you’ve just got to find them, they are there, in person, online, in books, in songs, you name it, once you have that family it’ll always be there for you – my words of support would be – fuck the labels – you ain’t gonna rot like a loaf of bread you don’t need a label. Once you start finding out who you are and exploring your gender or sexuaility try to wear that experience as a badge of honour not a label.
Ginny Lemon’s new album ‘Tonic’
August has seen the release of Ginny Lemon’s album ‘Tonic’. The album does exactly what is says on the tin: Ginny wants the album to be a ‘tonic’ for everything that’s been happening in their own personal life but also for the turmoils we have faced collectively as humans over the last few years – tories, brexit, covid – you name it! The album artwork is also heavily inspired by Bjork’s 2015 album cover Vulnicura!
“I needed to write something that is slightly optimistic but realistically pissed off.” – Ginny Lemon
As a child, Ginny Lemon was obsessed with ABBA, Diana Ross and the Supremes and all things motown, forcing all their childhood friends into performing old 70s hits at every school talent show. As a teenager, their sister introduced them to Tori Amos, Kate Bush & Bjork – and their life changed forever.
“Music will always be my saviour, so I wish to honour that and to try and keep trying to make music that other people can enjoy as much as enjoy being a listener.” – Ginny Lemon
Today, their work explores the intersections of their working class identity, queerness, disability and taking the piss. Ginny’s distinct acidic wit, aesthetic and unique perspective on life have made them one of the UK’s most celebrated drag artists.
____________________________________
Taken from Ginny Lemon’s album ‘Tonic’: Previously released single ‘Ding Dong’ watch video here and ‘Burnt Pizza’ watch video here.
‘Burnt Pizza’ features Ginny Lemon in a yellow gimp suit designed by London-based latex and leather designer Fetish Daddy, and custom croc knee high boots (of course).
