This June the UK celebrates Pride Month - a whole month dedicated to celebrating queer excellence, and embracing our wonderfully diverse identities. Although Manchester Pride doesn’t take place until August (get your tickets here), we’re lucky to be blessed with the ultimate queer haven – The Gay Village. A place to party and celebrate the community all year round.
To celebrate Pride Month, this year we’re bringing you a round up of some of Britain’s queer icons that we think are well worth shouting about, not just in June – but always.
1. Paul O’Grady/Lily Savage
Kicking off with someone that can only be described as an icon of the North West, Paul O’Grady. Undeniably witty and simply salt of the earth, both Paul and Lily were legends in their own rights. Since Paul’s passing, fans and friends have come together to share their own stories and experiences. Pater Tatchell – a friend of Paul’s recalled a moment from 1987 that he found particularly memorable.
“When he went on stage [at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern], he saw the police wearing rubber gloves,” Peter says. “This was the height of the AIDS pandemic and ignorant and bigoted police believed that if you touched a gay man then you would get HIV.”
He continues “Paul then shouted out to the coppers, ‘Oh good you're here! You can help with the washing up’. Dressed in full drag, Lily would then be arrested during the raid of the LGBTQ+ venue. A testament to the humour and tenacity with which Paul approached life.
2. Bimini Bon-Boulash
Next up, we’ve got the shining star of Drag Race UK season 2 – Bimini Bon-Boulash. With absolutely bags of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent – Bimini embodies all that is punk, gobby, and British, whilst remaining ultimately high-fashion.
Non-binary and pansexual, Bimini represents a resistance against the norm. A non-conforming rebellion against the ideals of society. Since Drag Race, it seems Bimini is only getting bigger. Now a Penguin author with the release of their book Release the Beast, as well as the becoming the first non-binary talent signed to Next Models. Very slay behaviour.
3. Munroe Bergdorf
Next, we’ve got Munroe Bergdorf, an internationally renowned activist, model, writer and broadcoaster. At just 35, Bergdorf has had an outstanding career as British Vogue Contributing Editor and UN Women Changemaker.
In 2017, she made history by being appointed as the first transgender model to front a L’Oreal UK campaign, but was dropped just weeks later after speaking out about racism.
As if this wasn’t enough, she’s a patron for the charity Mermaids – advocating for a fairer world supporting transgender, non-binary and gender diverse children. And she’s absolutely stunning. Iconique behaviour.
4. Elton John
For legend number four, we’ve got arguably one of the biggest names in British music history, Elton John. Everyone is familiar with the classics, Goodbye Yellowbrick Road, Crocodile Rock and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. And EVERYONE is familiar with his signature style. Fantastic feathers, statement sunglasses, and rhinestones galore.
Throughout the years, Elton has donned some seriously statement looks, whilst being unafraid to go against the grain. From wearing a 3ft wig to dress as Louis XVI for his 50th birthday, to his appearance on The Muppet Show wearing full rainbow feathers and headdress.
Even though his looks have toned down with age, his activism certainly hasn’t. Elton hosts a pre-party for the Academy Awards with all of the profits going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
5. Arlo Parks
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got Arlo Parks. A rising star on the music scene, Parks began writing poetry and short stories at just 11 years old.
In her own words, she writes ‘from the perspective of a young, black, queer woman’, championing representation for marginalised communities, becoming the voice of a generation of dysfunctional British teens, trying to figure it all out.
Speaking to Gay Times on the importance of queer representation in the media, Arlo said “Artists have a platform, and for people to see young queer artists being so open and comfortable in their skin is so important; to inspire those young people who feel uncomfortable or ashamed. It’s being a role model, especially in 2020 where there’s so much chaos. People being openly who they are is more important than ever.”
Whether you’re a card-carrying member of the community, or if you’re a fierce ally – this June it’s time to come together to celebrate love in all forms. Make sure to tag us on Instagram @hurleys_official in all your pride celebrations!
