16 Gscene
A Light in the Dark Sam Harman catches up with Ebony Rose Dark (they/them) – the international cabaret artist who is a beacon for others with disabilities ) Ebony Rose Dark is the only visually
impaired drag artist on the scene. They have performed at venues across the UK and abroad and are known for speaking openly about the need for more inclusivity for LGBTQ+ disabled people, from within and outside the community. The artist has their own acronym, referring to themself as a VIP – visually impaired person – but also holding on to its original meaning, very important person. They encouraged others to adopt this positive stance about themselves too when they were seen spreading peace, love and unity on the cabaret stage at London Pride 2019, while enveloped in a rainbow flag. Ebony has only just moved to Brighton and spoke to Gscene about what inspires them, in between dealing with errant removals men. (We do hope you dealt with that pesky wardrobe…)
Ebony became a performer in 2012, having been inspired by the film Sister Act (part one), revealing: “I was quite envious when I watched Sister Act, the opening scene. I just thought wow! What would it be like to perform in a place like that?” But it was watching Kinky Boots, the movie, that spurred Ebony on to actually make the dream a reality. One of their dance teachers at the time, from the queer tango scene, took them along to watch a performance at the actual venue featured in the film. “I thought, I really want to give this a go and I wonder if it’s possible.” And possible it was. Things happened very quickly following on from that, when another friend, who was performing at Royal Vauxhall Tavern, invited Ebony along to watch but then put them forward to perform. A few weeks later saw Ebony belting out Nina Simone on stage at Bar Wotever, Queer Tuesday – and the rest is history. It’s hard to imagine this vibrant, gregarious person ever having any hardship in their life, but certainly there has been a fair share of suffering. Ebony’s childhood and schooling were disrupted by disability, hospitalisation for invasive surgery and also having to endure radiotherapy. The problems with vision started at the age of just five. “I developed a brain tumour on my optic nerve, I was in and out of hospital and eventually left with only partial sight. I’m heavily reliant on light. If all colours blend into one that’s the worst-case scenario for me. For example, an old mahogany room is really bad. Due to the radiotherapy I had, I also have other health complications I have to deal with.” The performer evidently hasn’t let this hold them back. If anything, the disability has acted as a spur and Ebony now uses their platform to inspire others while simultaneously working to bring other LGBTQ+
people with disabilities out on to the scene. “When I started in 2012, I didn’t know of any other visually impaired cabaret performers and, more importantly, no other visually impaired people who were attending LGBTQ+ events – I only know of one other disabled person who is actively out going to performances and I wonder, where is everyone else? My hope is that more people feel comfortable going out, especially from the LGBTQ+ community, because I know they’re out there. Slowly more of them are coming out.” But they admitted: “Prejudices against LGBTQ+ people exist even within disabled communities – people will be excluded from groups for being gay, bi or trans. I like to end my show with some LGBTQ+ news, to remind people of important issues happening within our community. I use my platform to educate and bring about change as well as entertain.” Are there any downsides to performing as a disabled person? As you might expect, access needs can be problematic. “Sometimes not knowing what you’re walking into, sometimes there isn’t always the time to ask for a friend to join and assist so it’s a case of trusting the community for support and making it safe to attend. I won’t want to become a hindrance on the night, so I might not always ask for help and as a disabled person it’s unspoken that people won’t tell you if they have issues with you, until you hear it on the grapevine that they have been complaining about you behind your back.” Aside from being an LGBTQ+ disabliity advocate, another highlight of Ebony’s career was performing with one of their heroes, David Hoyle, the avant-garde cabaret artist, singer, comedian and film director. “I met him years ago in Belfast and I just thought wow, who is this person! And then I got to perform with him, which is definitely a career highlight so far.” Ebony’s positivity is palpable – they are the poster star for living your best life. In fact, the life motto they share with others comes from R&B star India Arie. “The song is called Strength, Courage & Wisdom and I say that to any disabled person, whether their disability is visible or non-visible. I tell them, just remember there’s light at the end of the tunnel and to believe in what you’re doing and do what you need to do to ensure your own happiness and health.” i @ebony_rose_dark f www.facebook.com/mickel.smithen
