MISS JASON aka Jason Frederick Sutton Jason Frederick Sutton (27 February 1968 – 22 April 2024) Known under his stage name as Miss Jason, he was an English actor, comedian, drag artist, pantomime dame, and a community and philanthropic activist. Born 27 February 1968, Jason Sutton began performing in drag at The Old Vic in Portsmouth in the 1990s. His drag persona was inspired by gay cabaret comedian and singer Phil Starr. Starr bestowed the stage name "Miss Jason" on Sutton. Drag artist Stephen Richards, who performs under the name Lola Lasagne , told BBC Radio Sussex that, personality wise, "Miss Jason" was very much like Sutton himself. Sutton often performed at the Two Brewers pub in London, but was a resident of the village of Rottingdean near the city of Brighton. He was a long-time performer in the Sunday cabaret at the bar at the Legends Hotel. He was named the best local entertainer in Brighton in 2016. As Miss Jason, Sutton appeared on several television programmes, including the comedy game show Blankety Blank, the reality cooking game show Come Dine With Me, the antiquing game show Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, and Weakest Link. Sutton was a noted pantomime dame, performing for charity each Christmas. His performances included pantomime at Portsmouth (2016), Bromley (2017), High Wycombe (2018), Richmond (2019), Barnstaple (2021), Stafford (2022), and Brighton (2023)

Practically untouched since its April 1985 opening (with dusty boots dangling from the ceiling to prove it), John Edwards's bar The Backstreet (referred to as simply 'Backstreet') abides by its strict fetish dress code, and the pay-off for its loyal leather and rubber clientele is an unfussy, dark and atmospheric cruising space — the closest thing London has to an old-style European leather bar. THE BACKSTREET London's oldest leather bar The Backstreet was a gay leather bar on the Mile End Road in London's East End. It was London's longest running, and last remaining leather bar, having opened in April 1985. In 2019, it was saved from redevelopment by Tower Hamlets Council, which stated that the redevelopment would "harm the long-term provision of a nightclub that serves the LGBT+ community". The reprieve was short lived however, and the bar closed permanently on 17 July 2022. In 2024, a documentary film about the leather bar. The Backstreet premiered at the Sheffield Docfest directed by Romain Beck

RUBYVENEZUELA aka Brian Pierce Born in Plymouth, Ruby became a hit on the drag circuit, performing at Madame Jo Jo’s and Club Fantastic. “I may not be young, but as soon as the music starts I can’t help but jump around" “There’s not many of us left. Now drag artists are basically transvestites who mime and can’t sing. But people will always love over-the-top glamour, and it fits in nicely with the burlesque revival.” Soho singer Lanah P recalled meeting a “huge ball of sequins” in the 1980s and told how Ruby raised funds for Aids hospices or homelessness, performing at the The Soho festival or Phoenix Theatre. Lanah added: “I’ve always been interested and partial towards the avant-garde or post-modernistic elements of the performer and one of my fave periods of Ruby was when she’d come on stage dressed as a bed. It even had cigarette burns on it – but tidier than Tracey Emin’s – and sing this mad song called I’d Rather Have You, but she’d changed the words to “I’d rather have crumbs in my bed”. Hilarious! “I always found her great theatrical value and quite a kind-hearted, generous soul, so now rest in peace, dear.”The editor of Pride Life, Nigel Robinson, told Gay Star News: “I hesitate calling her a drag queen/artiste because she was more than that, more like a bonkers tornado coming in from Kansas, the lovechild of Mrs Shufflewick, Ethel Merman, Mervyn Peake, and Beryl Cook, but above all else her very own character, bringing delight to everyone, young and old.” “Ruby was a terrific performer who loved Soho and cared deeply about this community. She was a true Soho icon and in her passing it feels like another feather boa has been stripped from our streets.” - Rev Simon Buckley Theatre producer and manager Clive Chenery, in an online post, described Ruby as “Soho royalty”, adding:“Ruby sang at my 40th at Steph’s Restaurant. He was truly a one-off and is irreplaceable. He was immortalised by Beryl Cooke who was his next- door neighbour in Plymouth during his childhood. I was fortunate to know, and work with, Ruby on many occasions.”He recalled driving Ruby driving back to Soho to perform in a show at Madame Jo Jo’s from a production of Cinderella in Guildford Civic Hall in 1988.“They got a free tank of petrol one night on the A3 when Ruby got out to pay cash… in full drag.” A portrait of Ruby by Damien Frost

MAISIE TROLLETTE aka David Raven Maisie Trollette (15 August 1933 – 12 March 2025) Maisie was a very talented vibrant and charismatic UK-based drag queen known for her bold performances, razor-sharp wit, and infectious personality. With a flair for comedy and a passion for entertaining, Maisie has become a beloved figure in the UK drag scene, captivating audiences with her stunning looks, creative artistry, and unforgettable stage presence. Whether hosting events, competing in drag competitions, or performing at clubs and festivals, Maisie Trollette continues to inspire and bring joy to fans across the UK and beyond. 1/1 1/1 1/2 To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. MAISIE Official UK Trailer

The Wig Party is an iconic fundraising extravaganza of the London party scene held at Café de Paris. The once a year event has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for HIV Charities including NAT (National AIDS Trust).

UK help and support services offered to the LGBTQI+ community U K help and support services NATIONAL LGBTQIA+ SUPPORT LINE Read More The Outside Project (Crisis Winter Night Shelter) Read More Stonewall UK Creating a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free Read More REGARD (National Disabled LGBT organisation) Advice and support to LGBTQI+ disabled people Read More Galop National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence Read More Barnardos Support LGBT+ questioning their sexual or gender for children, young people and their families Read More LGBT Hero National health and wellbeing charity dedicated to uplifting and supporting LGBTQ+ people Read More TransActual Working towards a world where trans people can live safely Read More Terrence Higgins Trust Support for people with HIV and AIDS Read More

Madame Jojo's was a nightclub and venue for cabaret, burlesque, drag shows, and live music located on Brewer Street in the Soho area of the City of Westminster

Sherbet was an Gay day-club in London in the 90s. It had an amazing DJ lineup included Lord Kaos aka Dominic Sinclair, Pete Wardman, Rich B, Rachel Auburn, The Sharp Boys + Guests. With their hard-house and techno sets, Sunday afternoons would never be the same again! Sherbet @ SoundShaft Pete Wardman was a genius when he had the concept to create SHERBET. Sherbet's amazing DJ lineup included Lord Kaos aka Dominic Sinclair, Pete Wardman, Rich B, Rachel Auburn, The Sharp Boys + Guests. With their hard-house and techno sets, Sunday afternoons would never be the same again! Soundshaft was a small club attached to Heaven London, which had a separate entrance on Hungerford Lane, behind Craven Street, although it was also accessible from the main club. Between 1988 and 1990, this hosted the seminal Troll night and which launched the career of DJs Daz Saund and Luke Slater. It is now called The Stage Bar. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Soundshaft was the Venue for Fahrenheit, a Hard House event run by Fevah and Sherbet on Sunday afternoons, run by Pete Wardman. Thank you to our Sherbet Hosts Stephen McKee & Lewis Oswald, Rich B and Pippa for these great photos

SANDRA HUSH aka David Hunter David Hunter, also known as Sandra Hush was a doyenne of the British drag scene for over two decades. David primarily worked as a window dresser when he first moved to London. His eye for detail and design would fuel his incredible talent which was yet to be unleashed. David rapidly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, not just as a performer but also as a seamstress, costume designer, wig dresser, choreographer, producer, scriptwriter, sound technician et al. In all, he was the complete package! His talent for all the above was unfounded. Every costume fastidiously designed and stitched, every part of his made up face was an immaculate work of art, not a single strand of beautifully coiffed nylon hair was ever out of place - the show could not go on until those perfectly manicured false nails were glued on tight. Every show was a testament to his skill as an illusionist and artiste of his craft. David worked in various double and triple acts alongside the likes of the legendary Lily Savage , David Dale, (Lily, Sandra & David Dales act was called LSD), with HIH Regina Fong and Miss Mercedes as Triple X, The Lady Christine, Alice & Barbara of ABC fame, Connie and Beryl of Miss Demeanours fame, Millie Mopp and Lola Lasagne to name but a few - his input and ideas were infectious, his shows legendary and his love for his fellow artistes undeniable. David was witty, acerbic, gentle, loving and kind. He was adored by so many and loved by so many — by John Dickson 'David was very generous with his talent. He made costumes, dressed wigs etc not only for many of the established acts on the circuit but also for those aspiring drag queens who would turn up at his flat clutching a bedraggled excuse for a wig and like one of Cinderella’s fairy godmothers, in no time at all he would turn it into a work of art fit for any head. If the impossible was impossible, he’d also tell you in no uncertain terms where to stick it - this would invariably be “up your hoop”, an affectionate term amongst his circle for ones arse. David was witty, acerbic, gentle, loving and kind. He was adored by so many and loved by so many. The last time I visited David in hospital at the old Chelsea & Westminster hospital site, we laughed, we cried, I brought him his lunch, we hugged, he was alive with copious amounts of wit and sarcasm … he held onto this unique sense of humour throughout the various infections and illnesses this insidious disease threw at him. All the nurses adored him. As we hugged goodbye, I looked into his eyes and I knew this would be the last time I saw David. I think he knew too. I was to see that very same look in several others eyes prior to their demise over the following years.On the day of his funeral his family were delayed in London’s infamous all day rush hour traffic; they travelled from the Midlands where David hailed from and we had to start without them. I was asked to stand in for his brother and carry David’s coffin into the chapel. It was an honour for me as a final thank you for the laughter, the tears, friendship and love this amazing person brought to so many. I couldn’t have been prouder. David made an indelible impact on those he met, none more so than with his partner Mike Geraghty. Mike has red hair, David adored red heads. I do believe Mike was David’s one true love; they both truly loved each other. David was able to be himself; Sandra, sequins and feathers were part of the package. Equally, David wouldn’t look out of place propping up the bar in one of London’s many infamous leather bars, dressed in leather jeans, big boots and a customised waistcoat made of leather and adorned with studs that he designed and made on the very same sewing machine as countless over the top stage costumes, casting witty aspersions on the assembled throng of Leather Marys. David played both parts so well … if only they knew. I stand here and shout out loud and proud for David Hunter, Amazonian Drag Doyenne & Goddess, Sandra Hush' I love you as much now as I did 29 years ago before you were so abruptly taken from us my friend. May you remain forever immortalised on this amazing medium, The AIDS Memorial and I just bet you are still turning bedraggled nylon ‘riah’ bundles into beautiful works of art for all the gone but not forgotten drag angels above ” — by John Dickson “David Hunter, also known as Sandra Hush, died from AIDS related complications on 1st September 1992; he was 38.

QX is the UK’s most popular free gay magazine. Focusing on gay London, QX looks at lifestyle, the arts, film, music, theatre and health as well as London’s club, bar and cabaret scene. QX provides the ultimate guide to the best forthcoming events, as well as featuring photo reviews of the previous week’s most talked about places to be seen. Projects This is your Project Page. It's a great opportunity to help visitors understand the context and background of your latest work. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want to share.