TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS

COVID EFFECT

BY TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS

AS I STARTED TO WRITE THIS ARTICLE ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THE COVID19 PANDEMIC ON MYSELF AND THE LOCAL LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY I REALISED THAT TO DO THE STORY JUSTICE, WE SHOULD REALLY GO BACK TO NEW YEARS’ EVE 2019. THE EVENTS OF 2020 STARTED A DAY EARLY FOR OUR COMMUNITY HERE IN BELFAST, GIVING US A DRAMATIC WARNING SIGN OF THE YEAR TO COME. I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY HOUSE WITH THE USUAL BUZZ AND EXCITEMENT OF THE NEW YEAR’S EVE GIGS AND PARTIES AHEAD, WHEN I GOT A MESSAGE FROM MY FRIEND TELLING ME OF A FIRE THAT WAS HAPPENING IN KREMLIN NIGHTCLUB. THE EVENTS OF THE NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS CONSISTED OF HEARING HOW THE FIRE ESCALATED SO QUICKLY AND FEROCIOUSLY THROUGH THE MAIN CLUB ROOM BURNING AN AREA WHERE SO MANY OF US HAVE DANCED , LAUGHED AND CREATED MEMORIES ALONGSIDE OUR FELLOW LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS INJURED THAT NIGHT, BUT THE FEELING OF LOSS WAS FELT AND WITH HINDSIGHT IT WAS A VERY SYMBOLIC START TO THE YEAR AHEAD. WITH ONE LESS VENUE TO DANCE IN, IT MEANT AN EXTRA QUIET JANUARY AND FEBRUARY IN THE GAY QUARTER IN BELFAST, BUT ALSO ALLOWING US TO HEAR THE RUMBLINGS OF AN EVEN MORE SERIOUS SITUATION UNFOLDING AROUND THE WORLD AND BY THE TIME OF EARLY MARCH IT BECAME APPARENT THE COVID19 PANDEMIC WAS HERE IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND QUICK AND DRASTIC ACTIONS WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN...

The pandemic has been talked about by so many and so often this year that I’m sure you are very familiar with how events unravelled globally and personally, but being a raging homosexual I thought I could use the analogy of the Wizard of Oz to explain the emotional experience of this year! Now! I know what you are thinking… that the second lockdown has sent me over the edge but think about it…. A tornado (covid19) comes and turns your world upside down and you land in Oz (lockdown), and in this strange “new normal” there are two witches (Arlene and Michelle … you can decide who is the green one!) and a fake wizard (Boris Johnson) behind the curtain pulling the strings! Whilst trying to navigate your way through this new landscape you meet strangers (key workers) who have the brains, the heart and the courage to help you find your way and keep you safe!

Another obvious comparison in this analogy is the rainbow. In the movie the Wizard of Oz, gay icon Judy Garland sings the anthem somewhere over the rainbow, which is often affectionately associated with our pride flag. During the pandemic rainbows became a symbol of gratitude in our windows to all our NHS staff working hard to keep us safe. Some voices in the LGBTQ+ community were uncomfortable with the use of the rainbow representing anything other than pride for ourselves. Which is understandable considering the struggle for acceptance and equality and therefore the emotional connection to the pride flag. I initially struggled with the idea of sharing our rainbow, but I know of many NHS staff who are LGBTQ+ who said, it made them smile and feel extra proud of themselves and of the work they were doing during this difficult time. Just like Dorothy or friends of Dorothy, I think the one thing that the rainbow represents in each of these scenarios is hope, hope for a way out, hope for a better life or a return to a life that we love and as the covid19 story continues, hope is the one thing will see us all through.

The pandemic itself is a scary event to get our heads around but its knock-on effects are equally impactful on us individually and within the larger community. When the first lockdown happened the fear of keeping safe was coupled with how financially to stay afloat especially if you were not able to work from home. Personally, as a self-employed entertainer not being able to work during lockdown was difficult on many levels. I have had the blessing of doing a job I love for many years and to lose the daily structure, financial stability and creative self-expression all in one fatal sweep was devastating. Many of my LGBTQ+ friends that work in the entertainment and hospitality sectors have had the same struggles.

Certain Industries were affected more than others this year, many in the Arts and Entertainments sector were and are still not allowed to work, and the governments tone that the arts are somehow disposable or not important, was demoralising and dismissive of millions of creatives who have worked hard at their craft for years, not to mention the blow to self-worth and mental health in an already vulnerable state. The hospitality sector was also hard hit, they opened their doors after taking many new and expensive steps to keep their customers and patrons safe, but every week there seemed to be a new announcement of rules, restrictions and curfews that was slowly crippling the industry to an eventual second lockdown. All this happened with little or no evidence that this industry was causing any large surges in numbers.

Historically gay bars are not just pubs, they are community centres where LGBTQ+ activism plays a major role, they are safe havens for us to express and connect with other people just like ourselves. This dual purpose is not only important but necessary in times of crisis. There are many out there from our community who do not have great support networks and the bars are a place go to and connect, so now more than ever they serve a role in our community. Another area severely affected by the pandemic in Northern Ireland is the charity sector which with the problems of social distancing and funding not being prioritised it has led to difficulties in providing the usual services. We have amazing LGBTQ+ charities here in Northern Ireland, so if you can please support local LGBTQ+ businesses and charities that really do give us a place to commune, and help individuals in our community survive in difficult times! If you need to use any local services/charities or can help in anyway, go to the inside back cover, there is a list of contact details.

In writing this article, I am aware that looking back over this year and analysing it can be triggering, especially as events are still happening both locally and globally affecting our daily lives. I’d like to think that reading this article will encourage you to live in hope and pride every time you see a rainbow and remind you to support your community in any way you can.

To leave you all with a smile I’ve asked some of my drag friends to leave a personal message to you all! My personal message is that although things are difficult and sometimes not perfect here in Northern Ireland. It really is what we make it, to quote Dorothy Gale “There’s no place like home!”.

“You haven’t been forgotten and you’re not alone. We’re all still here for you! Lots of love from the tired ass showgirl!” Onya Becks “keep your lockdown chins up!” Electra la Cunt

“There is no escaping how hard this is and how much life has changed forever. But when we look back on this next year, and how we learnt the meaning of community spirit again, we will be stronger people for it.” Dick Von Dyke

“Don’t let anyone rain on your parade. If they do piss on theirs!” Rusty Hinges

“2020 has been ‘a wig caught in a desk fan’ kinda year, otherwise known as awful but we are resilient, and we will get past it! Sure, look at us, the LGBTQ+ community! We’ve put up with so much including the DUP! Stay strong, stay fabulous and keep going!” Roxy Tumbledryer

“when life gets you down, throw some glitter on it!” Glitzy Glamour

“Corona she better don’t! We all may not be together right now but soon we will be. Keep your gorgeous heads held high and I will see you all on the dancefloor very soon. Now wash your hands, stick on a pair of heels and do the hoovering. Lots of love Auntie Sass!” Sassie

“Be your own diva… be strong… be brave… Don’t be afraid to cry it’s a sign off strength, not weakness and in the words of my diva … ‘it’s not right, but its ok, I’m gonna make it anyway…’ . we shall raise a glass as one on the other side xx lots of love Titti” Titti Von Tramp