Around the World

Photography & words: Liam Campbell, editor & chief photographer of Elska magazine

Marcus H - Belfast

Although I had suspicions about Northern Ireland being a conservative place, I kind of assumed that this was more just a stereotype. So I wasn’t prepared for how difficult it would be to find guys willing to take part in my Elska magazine project when I arrived in Belfast. I decided to reach out to the local drag scene, figuring that drag queens are often some of the most bold, brave, and activist people in any city. One of the first people I spoke to was Marcus, aka Lady Portia Di’ Monte, who quickly got on board, and also helped spread the word to some other Belfast guys, as well as offering me a place to crash if I needed it. It was all and more that I expected from probably Northern Ireland’s most legendary queen. Funnily, Marcus was pretty nervous during our shoot, that is until he put on this dress. I suppose he’s more used to the camera when in drag, and even though our shoot was ‘untucked’, a bit of drag helped give him some of the courage and fierceness he needed.