ONE OF Reading’s newest events organisations has celebrated its first anniversary.
Iota Events, a queer-owned company that organises events around Reading, is celebrating its first year in operation.
While it is only a year old, its events have made history in Reading with the first dedicated Trans Pride event following last year’s Reading Pride.
It is also behind events such as the World Aids Day fundraiser at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, and has seen a number of queer events including drag shows, barn dances, and clothes swaps in Reading.
It’s run by Big Jay, who celebrated their own first anniversary as a drag performer in November.
Friends and performers associated with Iota joined the anniversary event at the Reading Biscuit Factory on Tuesday, January 24.
Speaking at the event, Big Jay said: “Running this business has been my dream, but I had no idea how it was going to go.
“I’ve had to make it up as I go along, so far, but I have a much more concrete strategy now.”
They say that they had to build the business over time, especially during a turbulent period.
Even for already well-established businesses, current conditions are difficult, especially in a sector recovering from significant impact during lockdowns in the last three years.
“I never knew if it was all going to collapse in on itself, like a dying star, but I’m very calm in the face of chaos, which helps a lot.”
Speaking about the difficulties in the industry, Big Jay explained: “Honestly, I didn’t think it would be possible at all.
“But I’m not a quitter, and I always try.”
They said that initially finding venues was difficult: “There were so many barriers, people would just hang up on me in the middle of a phone call.”
But they found a venue in The Outlook’s performance space, Bar 77, where Big Jay now has a drag residency and hosts regular shows.
“But I met Corey [at The Outlook], and he agreed to put an event on and showed me around the bar.
“From that point, I managed to overcome a lot of obstacles and a lot of hurdles.
“Bar 77 gave me that foundation, and here at the Biscuit Factory was the germination of the actual business itself.”
Despite the hostility of the events industry in current circumstances, they say that Iota has found something of a niche.
“I accidentally found a gap in the market, and I didn’t really realise that until about three months ago.
“The queer stuff in Reading seemed to be happening underground, but there’s so much drag and talent here.”
As to the future of Iota, Big Jay said: “We have some exciting new venues that we’re looking at working with, as well as all of our regular events.
“We have residency events at Bar 77, karaoke events, and I’ll be bringing exciting, diverse, casted shows from diverse entertainers.”
Iota has also recently taken over the organisation of the Reading Fetish Social, which brings members of the fetish community together in a safe space to socialise.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to support a marginalised community.
“I live my life as a queer, non-binary, brown, disabled, neurodivergent, Hindu person, so I know what its like to be at a disadvantage.
“I’m eager to support the community, to build them up, and to help them following the disbanding of Animagi.”
Looking ahead, Big Jay said their work would continue to grow.
“I’m excited to give people places to be themselves without fear of judgment– that’s the energy that we’re going forward with.
“I’m really excited to continue to give people those spaces regardless of their background, and it’s just part of our work.”
Information about all of Iota Events’ upcoming shows can be found via its pages on Facebook and Instagram
