Meet drag queens in towns that “break barriers” for LGBTQ+ people

Home issues can be controversial for local LGBTQ+ people.

Some stereotypes revolve around small towns known for their past dominance over traditionalism and the present.

However, LGBTQ+ people are working to “break down barriers” and create a broader sense of “belonging” across the country.

According to a 2016 report from the Office for National Statistics, the national average of people who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual was 2%.

In London, this figure was 2.7%, but in some parts of the country, such as the East of England, it decreased by 1.2%.

Oftentimes, locally born members of the LGBTQ+ community “come out” in front of the bright light of the nearest city.

Drag queen Scaredy Kat, who starred in the first British series RuPaul’s Drag Race, previously described the drug scene in her Wiltshire hometown as a “joke”.

The country is associated with the military in the historically vast Salisbury Plains and its rich agricultural industry.

However, Oberon Christmas, who lives in the market town of Deviz, replaced Wellington boots with high heels.

Village Drag-Quinn decides to give her name to the field she loves.

He meets Gabriella in person at Christmas and goes out to her hometown.

“There was always some reaction to my outfit and attitude,” he told me.

He experienced regular violence at school, but learned to shrug off unpleasant comments.

Oberon may move to London or Bristol after graduation, where he can become part of a larger community.

But he decided to stick with his motto.

He often goes for night walks and says that the more he acts, the more acceptable his attitude becomes.

During the pandemic, Oberon created a small LGBTQ+ support group to reach out to those who were afraid to speak up.

“We started in the park, only in the field I put on a dress,” she said.

“We now have a dedicated group of thousands of people who support us online.

Initially, the group had to meet at a pub in town to accommodate smaller venues than most.

He is currently planning a drag race at Bingo City Hall and hopes that Devizes will be able to organize his first pride march.

Oberon said: “Wiltshire is involved in the military and farming. I want to be known for the military, farming and drag queens.

“We can be the shipping capital of the western country!”

“I would like to continue this so that people feel happy wherever they are.

Oberon’s ability to stay positive is due in part to his mother, Helen, who was his biggest supporter.

When things get “scary, scary,” the 25-year-old simply remembers “the kindness that he felt in his heart.”

Oberon further states:

For some reason, Gabriella always brings it to me.

Oberon’s efforts to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ support have spread a positive wave through Devizes.

He is working with Councilor Simon Fisher and other councilors to change perceptions of both locals and broader members.

“Cities of all sizes are made up of different people, which empowers the community,” Fisher told us.

So if you have any superstitions like race, sexual orientation, or disability, you need to put these barriers in place.

“Oberon has put a lot of work into this by bringing together members of the local LGBQT+ community and starting a broader, open and honest discussion, rather than openly waving the flag, and the city council in this conversation. I invited some of them.

Many LGBTQ+ people find it easier to travel in big cities with “number security,” Fisher said.

“Many cities like Devizes are their homes and places they want to live, so why hide someone who has to?”

For many members of the LGBTQ+ population, it is still difficult to “come out and be proud” in the local community.

However, one expert says there is “hope” for more recruitment in some of the villages where attitudes have historically been unacceptable.

Joe Jokes, a researcher who studies the LGBTQ+ community in rural areas, said: Rural people can find it.

“Job opportunities, doing more work and taking space between you and your family, all of which attract LGBTQ+ or many other people to urban life.

“Even in the last decade that I lived in Somerset, the West has changed a lot.

“Local communities are generally getting more and more celebrations, including from LGBTQ+ people. Pride festivals are held in towns like Midsomer Norton, Exmouth and even on the Silesian islands.”

The Village Pride Festival has spread throughout Joe’s hometown of Somerset, including Joel, Tonton and Wackett, a port town of just over 4,000 people.

Joe added that a number of events are taking place in western countries such as Somerset, Devon, Glastonbury and Fromm.

“There is still a long way to go to make these places accessible and whole, especially for people of color and those under 18, but initiatives like Plymouth’s Not Alone Group and Mindline Trans + Somerset give me great hope. future.’

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