The Leeds Scene has a huge array of talented and amazing performers, workers, managers, door staff, DJ’s and organisers.

It would be impossible to discuss the amazing abilities of everyone in just one article so this piece is dedicated directly to and in celebration of the Drag Queens of our city. Sadly, it is not possible to discuss everyone in detail but that in no way diminishes the amazing jobs that they do.

Many visitors to the scene will see Drag Queens performing on stage or DJ’ing and are thrilled by the sheer professionalism, energy and entertainment that these incredibly talented people provide night in and night out.

But, as well as being ‘on’ every night these performers work immensely hard at perfecting their acts, rehearsing, finding outfits and spending a massive amount of time in make-up to prepare for a show. They dedicate a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that everyone who goes out on the town has an incredible night.

But, it does not stop there. As well as dedicating a massive amount of energy into being the best they can, I do not know of any Drag Queen in Leeds who does not go above and beyond their job description.

Cheryl Hole of Blayds Bar designed the posters for the Owlie awards. She did this in her own time and when asked if she would like to be credited for the design in the name of Cheryl or in her boy’s name, she said that she would prefer her name not to be on there as it was something that she was doing for the community and not to promote herself. This was and remains an incredible gesture from a remarkable and very giving person.

Bears Aloud do an amazing amount of work for charitable causes including, of course, Leeds Pride. They are known throughout Europe and are brilliant ambassadors to our city.

Carla Jackson is an amazing and inspirational supporter of HIV and AIDS causes. During last year’s Drag Idol a film was shown which depicted Carla talking about her life as a person who is HIV positive. It was poignant, moving and incredibly brave of Carla to have this aired in front of several hundred people and was also an incredibly generous act from her and incredibly important in highlighting and educating people on this issue.

Miss Orry has played a huge part in and hosted Drag Idol, which this year raised thousands of pounds for local HIV and AIDS charities. She has also been an integral part of putting the Leeds scene on the map

Anna Gylpta made huge leaps in involving Drag Queens in charity events when in Leeds and has undertaken a scary pier jump for RNLI and was a Drag Idol Judge for three years as well as doing gigs for the Help For Heroes campaign and a special needs school in Hull.

All of these people and Daisy DuPont, Roxxy, Chel Sea, Gisele, Pixie, Mindy, Ricky Glass, Miss Sordid, Anja Bach, Luscious Lana, Raven Mandela and many, many more make Leeds what it is and work so hard for the community and are truly an inspiration.

Sarah Carmody

editor@gayleeds.com 

Ps, My sincere apologies if I have missed anyone out. If I have then please email me and I will rectify this ASAP x