READING Pride has announced who will be performing on the PrideXtra Stage for this year’s Love Unites Pride Festival in September.
The stage is proudly presented by Iota Events and highlights queer performers from in and around Reading, including drag, burlesque, art, photography, and DJ sets.
Iota’s Big Jay has described their plans for the line-up as a “love letter” to their drag journey, with a number of returning performers from Iota’s shows and previous Pride events.
(Pictures: Iota Events, courtesy of Reading Pride)
Double Okay
Reading’s queer and trans arts collective Double Okay is perhaps best known for regular showcase events DIY SOS (Sheer Obsession’s Suspenders) which are credited with kickstarting the drag scene in Reading following the pandemic, including Big Jay.
They run workshops, exhibitions, and social events promoting solidarity and queer resistance.
They will also be running the much-loved collage workshop looking at Pride as a protest and envisioning queer futures.
Duac (Hosting)
Self-described GCSE Art project come to life and put in drag, Duac brings unique performances full of boundless energy, creativity, and talent.
Duac is a staple of the Reading drag scene, bringing fresh and unforgettable shows whenever they’re on the Iota Events roster.
Art Attack (Hosting)
Triple threat Art Attack is back following their stand-out performances at last year’s event and shows in Reading since, bringing singing talent, dancing skills, and hosting prowess.
Whether in their guises of Amber Rose Turner or drag king Artie, Art Attack has been an essential part of Iota’s events and a stalwart of stellar shows.
Cairo Ali (Hosting)
Hailing from Oxford, Cairo Ali has been adored in Reading’s queer scene since the beginning of Big Jay’s drag trajectory, not only through their captivating performances but through their advice, friendliness, and invaluable support of others.
Anitah DJ
Formerly known as drag sensation Anita Oui, Anitah DJ is bringing their supreme skills on the decks to the PrideXtra stage.
One of Reading’s rising stars, Pride is excited to host everyone’s next favourite DJ before they headline festivals and events around the country.
The Scarlet Vixens
Reading’s resident burlesque troupe, The Scarlet Vixens, will be spicing up the PrideXtra stage with their classic and classy brand of cabaret, burlesque, mixing glamour, intrigue, sassiness, and creativity.
Dorian Gay
Reading-born drag king Dorian Gay, while based in London, has become a fan favourite in the drag scene here for their Wilde performances and picturesque costumes.
Francis LightningHeart
Francis LightningHeart is set to bring their fierce glam-rock sensibilities once again in their guise as the sex, drag, and rock-and-roll front man of everybody’s dreams.
While they’ve worked behind the camera with Iota Events capturing Reading’s Got Drag, they’ve been welcomed into the fold on stage.
Expect a much-anticipated return of beloved catsuits and the classic moustache.
Grace Anatomy
The Good Witch of West Reading, Grace Anatomy, is back, bringing fierceness, fun, and beauty.
They have been a valued supporter of Iota Events and drag in Reading more generally, becoming Big Jay’s drag mother earlier this year.
Grace by name, disgrace by nature.
Reading Pride was formed in 2003 to represent and support the local LGBT+ community.
Since the first festival, attendance has grown steadily year-on-year with up to 15,000 people visiting the event throughout the day, and more than 3,000 participating in the Pride parade.
The event promotes equality and diversity, as well as the advancing of education and the elimination of discrimination, particularly in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and associated communities.
Reading Pride Parade and Love Unites Festival returns on Saturday, September 2.
Full details available via: ReadingPride.co.uk
