Latest news with #BritishSignLanguage
Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fab, Glam and Cheeky – Deaf Drag Queens Take to the Edinburgh Stage
Cheeky charm and outrageous wit come together at this year's Edinburgh Deaf Festival when drag queens Mary and Danielle take to the stage this weekend as part of the Edinburgh Deaf Festival. And their appearances (on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) will represent a passing of the baton as Mary (Gerard Maguire) is a veteran performer who will soon be 65 and has been helping tutor Danielle (Danny Lee) who is 18. The festival, which runs in parallel and collaboration with the Fringe, is organised by Deaf Action. It runs from 8-17 August and has a vibrant programme of more than 70 shows and events embracing everything from drama to comedy, music and magic. Several local cafes are offering a deaf friendly service during the festival in what Deaf Action is developing into a Signing Quarter in the Broughton Street neighbourhood. Deaffy Drag Queeny: Glitter, Gags and GSV will see Mary and Danielle bring oodles of X-rated humour and deaf gay Pride to the 10-day event throughout the weekend, with performances tonight, Saturday and Sunday. Their act will include lots of use of GSV (gay sign variant) – a variety of British Sign Language, which is renowned for being highly visual, expressive and flamboyant, which flourished in the deaf gay community in the late 20th century. Mary discovered a love for female clothes when cast as the Virgin Mary in a school nativity play at his Catholic boys' school in Ireland. He later moved to London where his career in drag kickstarted at the Brother and Sister Club, which was a hub for deaf gay culture. Mary said: 'I'm so looking forward to being part of the festival. Deaf gay Pride is something that should be celebrated and we will be doing that to the full. 'We're not revealing what happens in the show – because that would spoil the surprise. But there will be lots of gags, lots of humour, some dancing and … it'll be X-rated.' With most of the UK's deaf drag queens being from Mary's generation, Danielle's arrival on the scene has been warmly welcomed and hopes are high that he will become a standard-bearer for the tradition, and for GSV which is now in decline. Danny's discovery of drag came when he first watch RuPaul's Drag Race on TV – something he found a liberation. He said: 'I was in Year 9 when I saw t. It had a massive impact on me. I was like 'drag, what's this?'. 'It helped me figure out my sexuality, I grew in confidence. And then a few years later, I was watching RuPaul again and I felt like I could relate, empathise, and that just made me fall in love with drag. 'This will be my first professional appearance, so it's a great opportunity for me. 'I would really like to go on and do much more. My dream would be to be the first deaf gay drag queen on RuPaul, and to represent the BSL community there.' Deaf drag acts have their own particular character. The big, chunky jewellery often worn by hearing drag queens inhibits signing so isn't used, also there isn't the emphasis on music. Nadia Nadarajah, the festival's Creative Programmer, said: 'We'd love to have hearing audiences as well as deaf ones – it's a chance to experience drag in a way you have never seen it before. 'For deaf culture it's also important. This is a way we can help ensure that a great and fun form of entertainment is successfully passed on to a new generation to perform and enjoy.' Mary and Danielle were speaking at Hopetown Coffee, where staff have had deaf awareness training and which is part of the Signing Quarter project, where they dropped in between rehearsals. Hopetown Coffee, based on Edinburgh's Broughton Street, is a café run by national mental health charity Change Mental Health, an organisation delivering non-clinical and person-centred support to communities across Scotland. 100% of proceeds at Hopetown Coffee go towards providing more mental health support in Scotland. Jonny Cobbold, Director of Strategic Projects, Development and Growth at Change Mental Health, said: 'We're delighted to be involved with the Signing Quarter project and having Hopetown Coffee as one of the deaf friendly cafes in Edinburgh during the Fringe and beyond. 'With staff receiving deaf awareness training, it ensures that Hopetown continues to offer an accessible and inclusive space where people can have great coffee in the centre of Edinburgh.' There will be comedy and drama workshops, guided tours of The Georgian House, the Royal Botanic Garden and National Galleries Scotland. A festival Youth Club for deaf young people aged 10-18 will run from 8-10 August and there will be a parent and toddler group. The festival, which runs in collaboration with the Fringe, is also working with Summerhall, the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival to provide a range of accessible events. Like this: Like Related
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
NI LGBTQ+ charity ‘stand with' drag performers amid row over library reading event
The intervention comes in the wake of a row involving a drag queen story telling event which happened in east Belfast last weekend. During the event Lady Portia Di Monte, whose real name is Marcus Hunter-Neill, read storybooks to the children, while Miss Dora Belle interpreted the stories into British Sign Language (BSL). The reading at the Holywood Arches Library became the subject of controversy over recent days, with DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons saying the event was 'not appropriate for children' and that it 'should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. On Wednesday, Phoenix Law announced they will be taking legal action on behalf of Lady Portia on 'reputation and safety' grounds. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of the Rainbow Project, an NI based charity that promotes the health and wellbeing of the LGBT people and their families, spoke out in defence of drag performers. 'Drag is not only a big part of LGBT+ culture but also of culture in general, from pantomime dames to prime time television,' he said. "Absurd suggestions that drag is not appropriate for children is rooted in the sexualisation of LGBT+ people and our lives. 'Seeing a drag queen when I was growing up did not make me gay, and it won't make your kids LGBT+. "What it will do is send a colourful message that life is diverse and that if you are LGBT+ that's ok – you will be loved regardless. 'We stand with the families and young people who went along to the event, and the organisers and queens who put it on, whose fun day out was marred by protests. We are particularly concerned for the performers, who have for the past number of days been subjected to a campaign of online abuse and harassment, and who have our full support." Speaking about the incident Lady Portia, in a statement issued by Phoenix Law yesterday, said: 'Over the weekend, a private, family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event at Holywood Arches Library, part of the EastSide Arts Festival, became the subject of targeted misinformation and online abuse. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats - not because of any risk inside. 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online. I am now seeking legal advice to protect my reputation and my safety. 'To the families, staff, and supporters-thank you. To those spreading hate-I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are'. The PSNI confirmed they attended the event after a report of a 'small demonstration' and two people were escorted from the building to ensure there would be 'no breach of the peace'. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday 1st August, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present. 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Drag queen to take legal action over ‘storytelling in library event' row
Lady Portia Di Monte – one of two drag performers involved with the event at Holywood Arches Library – is taking the legal action on 'reputation and safety' grounds. The event became the subject of controversy over recent days, with DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons saying the event was 'not appropriate for children' and that it 'should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. During the event Lady Portia, whose real name is Marcus Hunter-Neill, read storybooks to the children, while Miss Dora Belle interpreted the stories into British Sign Language (BSL). Lady Portia, in a statement issued by Phoenix Law, said: 'Over the weekend, a private, family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event at Holywood Arches Library, part of the EastSide Arts Festival, became the subject of targeted misinformation and online abuse. 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. 'Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British Sign Language session - promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats - not because of any risk inside. 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online. I am now seeking legal advice to protect my reputation and my safety. 'Representation matters. When children see diversity reflected around them-whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different-it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. ADVERTISEMENT 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters-thank you. To those spreading hate-I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are'. The PSNI confirmed they attended the event after a report of a 'small demonstration' and two people were escorted from the building to ensure there would be 'no breach of the peace'. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday 1st August, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present. 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Solicitor Victoria Haddock added: 'Since the event, our client has been subjected to a campaign of online abuse, including highly serious and defamatory allegations. 'These claims, made by various online groups, platforms, and individuals, are entirely unfounded, malicious, and constitute a deliberate effort to harm our client's reputation. 'The suggestion that drag performance in this context poses any risk to children is baseless and harmful. 'We have now been instructed to initiate legal proceedings against all those responsible for publishing defamatory material, and to examine whether any criminal offences have been committed.'
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Drag queen to take legal action over library row after online abuse and ‘false accusations'
Lady Portia Di Monte – one of two drag performers involved with the event at Holywood Arches Library – has said she is taking the legal action to protect her 'reputation and safety' Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the drag queen event at a Belfast library should not have taken place (Liam McBurney/PA) Lady Portia Di'Monte took part in the event at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters (Peter Morrison/PA) A drag queen is set to take legal action following a row over a story telling event in Belfast last weekend, saying she has been 'subjected to abuse and false accusations online'. Lady Portia Di Monte – one of two drag performers involved with the event at Holywood Arches Library – has said she is taking the legal action to protect her 'reputation and safety'. The event became the subject of controversy over recent days, with DUP Communities Minister saying the event was 'not appropriate for children' and adding that it 'should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. During the event Lady Portia read storybooks to the children, while Miss Dora Belle interpreted the stories into British Sign Language (BSL). In a statement released by Phoenix Law, Lady Portia said: "Over the weekend, a private, family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event at Holywood Arches Library, part of the EastSide Arts Festival, became the subject of targeted misinformation and online abuse. "This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. "Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British Sign Language session - promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. "The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats - not because of any risk inside. "Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online. I am now seeking legal advice to protect my reputation and my safety. 'Representation matters. When children see diversity reflected around them-whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different-it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. "These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters-thank you. To those spreading hate-I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are". Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the drag queen event at a Belfast library should not have taken place (Liam McBurney/PA) The PSNI confirmed they attended the event after a report of a 'small demonstration' and two people were escorted from the building to ensure there would be 'no breach of the peace'. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday 1st August, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present. 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. "At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Solicitor Victoria Haddock added: "Since the event, our client has been subjected to a campaign of online abuse, including highly serious and defamatory allegations. 'These claims, made by various online groups, platforms, and individuals, are entirely unfounded, malicious, and constitute a deliberate effort to harm our client's reputation. 'The suggestion that drag performance in this context poses any risk to children is baseless and harmful. "We have now been instructed to initiate legal proceedings against all those responsible for publishing defamatory material, and to examine whether any criminal offences have been committed." Lady Portia Di'Monte took part in the event at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters (Peter Morrison/PA) News in 90 Seconds - August 6th
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Drag queen to take legal action over Belfast library row after being ‘subjected to abuse and false accusations' online
A drag queen is set to take legal action following a row over a story telling event in Belfast last weekend, saying she has been 'subjected to abuse and false accusations online'. Lady Portia Di Monte – one of two drag performers involved with the event at Holywood Arches Library – has said she is taking the legal action to protect her 'reputation and safety'. The event became the subject of controversy over recent days, with DUP Communities Minister saying the event was 'not appropriate for children' and adding that it 'should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. During the event Lady Portia read storybooks to the children, while Miss Dora Belle interpreted the stories into British Sign Language (BSL). In a statement released by Phoenix Law, Lady Portia said: "Over the weekend, a private, family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event at Holywood Arches Library, part of the EastSide Arts Festival, became the subject of targeted misinformation and online abuse. "This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. "Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British Sign Language session - promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. News Catch Up - Wednesday 6th August "The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats - not because of any risk inside. "Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online. I am now seeking legal advice to protect my reputation and my safety. 'Representation matters. When children see diversity reflected around them-whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different-it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. "These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters-thank you. To those spreading hate-I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are". The PSNI confirmed they attended the event after a report of a 'small demonstration' and two people were escorted from the building to ensure there would be 'no breach of the peace'. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday 1st August, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present. 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. "At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Solicitor Victoria Haddock added: "Since the event, our client has been subjected to a campaign of online abuse, including highly serious and defamatory allegations. 'These claims, made by various online groups, platforms, and individuals, are entirely unfounded, malicious, and constitute a deliberate effort to harm our client's reputation. 'The suggestion that drag performance in this context poses any risk to children is baseless and harmful. "We have now been instructed to initiate legal proceedings against all those responsible for publishing defamatory material, and to examine whether any criminal offences have been committed."
