Wales is the smallest country in the trio that makes up the United Kingdom, but what it may lack in size (!) it more than makes up in its positive approach to life. Last summer the Welsh Government launched a consultation for its action plan to make it the friendliest nation in Europe for its LGBTQ+ community. It’s not just its intent to ensure all our rights are “recognized and mainstreamed” across the public sector, but its willingness and energy to want to make us both safe and happy is such a refreshing attitude.
We like to cover queer events in Wales whenever we can (the Iris Prize Festival in Cardiff is one of the most important queer film festivals on the global circuit). Now the country’s capital city is also about to have its very first LGBT+ Fringe Festival during Pride Month this year.
It will be headed up by the team behind The Queer Emporium that opened in Cardiff last year. It is not only a safe space that has become a hub for young LGBT+ people and vendors to gather and feel safe. It has also turned into a venue that boasts many different cabaret and drag events
They have ambitions to make the new Fringe Fest hosted at more than 40 venues across the city, and will include theatre, comedy, live music, film, drag, visual art exhibitions, dance, and digital arts “The aim of the festival is to platform and pay as many queer artists as possible. The festival will also be committed to following a number of guidelines around cultural, neuro, gender, climate and disability awareness.
Yan White, founder of The Queer Emporium told Queerguru : “The Queer Fringe Festival has consulted with Trans Aid Cymru and Glitter Cymru to create these guidelines. This festival will platform LGBTQ+ artists, from grassroots to more established ones, and gives audiences opportunities to see new and unique content.”
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