All of us who celebrate Christmas have our own ways of marking the day. Whether it's family traditions, watching a particular film or visiting certain people or places. OK! spoke to five people about their unique festivities, and today is our final instalment. Merry Christmas!
"As I belt out the words to Wham!’s Last Christmas at a festive drag show and witness a sea of smiling faces singing back at me, phone torches waving in the air, my heart feels whole.
I lived a sheltered life before moving from Surrey to London aged 24. But after my first proper taste of drag at a South London nightclub called Two Brewers, I quickly learnt what a big deal Christmas is in the LGBTQ+ community.
On the scene, festivities begin on 1 November. Mariah Carey declares that “It’s time” and we happily oblige. It’s sparkly and ridiculous. Everyone whips out their Mrs Claus outfit, the extravagant decorations are put up and we all have a jolly time. I love it.
My family is incredibly supportive, but for many people in the community that isn’t the reality.
And that’s why, for some, events with “chosen families” rather than their “blood family” are more than just a bit of fun; it’s their Christmas saviour.
These events bring a sense of belonging, a safe space in a cruel world – and perhaps the only place some feel they can be accepted as their true selves.
Many bars open on the 25th to packed-out crowds. It’s quite special, you can feel the support. People get to make their own traditions, like seeing the same drag artists perform each year. Often, there’s a charitable aspect, too. In October last year, I went from attendee to performer. My drag name is Beary Poppins and I sing my favourite Christmas songs.
This year, I’ve rewritten the lyrics of Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby to make them even naughtier.
At school I was bullied for singing but now people celebrate my talent. That’s what the LGBTQ+ community does. We take something that brought us pain and make it joyous. We’re a resilient bunch who say, “Let’s just have a good time!”
It’s cheesy. It’s magical. It’s important."
READ NEXT:
Click here for today's top showbiz news
Christmas gift guide 2022: top 20 gifts for someone who already has everything
Radford family of 22 spend £5k on presents and sweet traditions for lavish Christmas
Girls Aloud singer and Emmerdale star sister's Home Alone-style family Christmas
Get exclusive celebrity stories and shoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter
Source: Read Full Article