TAYLOR

HEY EVERYONE, BEFORE I START DISHING THE GOSS AND SPILLING THE TEA, I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE PRIDE SEASON. I KNOW WE DON’T OFFICIALLY CELEBRATE OUR PRIDE HERE IN BELFAST UNTIL LATE JULY BUT LET’S FACE IT, EVERY WEEKEND YOU CAN FIND A CITY UP AND DOWN IRELAND AND THE UK CELEBRATING PRIDE FROM NOW UNTIL LATE SEPTEMBER, SO WE ARE BASICALLY AS A LARGER COMMUNITY CELEBRATING PRIDE FROM NOW UNTIL AUTUMN. JUNE, HOWEVER, IS OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED AS PRIDE MONTH AS IT COMMEMORATES THE STONEWALL UPRISING IN NEW YORK IN 1969 AND THE SUBSEQUENT RIOTS AND PRIDE MARCHES THAT OCCURRED IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE UPRISING.

FOOTNOTE: NO ONE DIED AT STONEWALL. HA HA.

Pride 2024, lets be honest… one of the best ways to be a friend.

So, here I find myself, sitting on my sofa with my little dogs, another Pride edition of GNI rolls around and another year writing this lovely little article containing my inner thoughts and feelings. I have to say, I am very grateful to have this space to journal my late 30s being a drag artist in Northern Ireland. The ups the downs and everything in between. I feel that I will look back one day and read these articles with nostalgia. I’ll look back at everything I have accomplished in the 4 years on this journey so far and be proud of myself. For me I find It’s hard to do at the time, I feel that sometimes when we are in the ‘rat race’ we forget to reflect, and I feel its important to catch yourself and acknowledge each little win and say to yourself “I DID THAT!”.

So this year for pride… I have to say, I am not feeling it as much as I usually do. There is a lot going on in my little life at present that has me worried and concerned for the future and I must be honest with myself and with you. There is a lot that I am thankful and grateful for, but mentally I’ve been struggling for a while. I’m in a period of huge change in my life and I’m frightened. I feel at times crippled with anxiety and have an inability to put myself first. I am lacking a bit of Self- love for myself at the minute, and I don’t feel like myself. I have so much content to post on social media, but I am blocking myself from posting it for some reason. I can’t figure out why my brain is disconnecting from itself. I know what I need to be doing, but just can’t do it. It’s very frustrating. I have a wonderful and supportive family and partner who are my rocks at the minute, and I am having therapy weekly to help me sort out my brain. I’m not always like this, but I am someone that feels emotions very deeply. I feel its cathartic for me to address my feelings with you in my little article, as I want to be an example that its ok not to be 100% all of the time, and its also ok to need a bit of help to get back on track. Acknowledging issues and working on them is not a sign of weakness. It’s a demonstration of strength and awareness.

It might surprise some of you reading this article to find out that I haven’t been feeling myself, because if you

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

In summary for this section, Pride this year for me, is looking like a lot of self-work, reflection, and making plans for the future. I must remind myself that everything in life is only temporary and that feelings change. So, If you or any of your friends is having a tough time, reach out this pride season, be an ear and listen, its seen me in public on a night out or performing as Tailor you would not have a clue. I have become a master at masking emotions and putting a brave face on. I don’t do it on purpose or consciously, it’s just something you do to protect yourself, lets face it, the last thing someone wants is a sad drag queen lol.

In saying everything I have above, I haven’t been sitting about doing nothing, I have been super busy and booked. From teaching makeup, Live QVC shows, my usual drag gigs and brunches to my very first UK Tour with DFIU Events and the incredible Marina Summers, the start of this summer has been a blast and its not slowing down any time soon.

Marina Summers UK tour

I am still recovering and pinching myself to be honest. In Late May this year I had the most amazing opportunity to tour the UK hosting for one of the most amazing talented Drag Queen’s I have ever met, Marina Summers (presented by DFIU Events). The entire experience was incredible. Each night we hit a different city with local talent performing alongside us and the audiences loved every minute. Marina was a joy to work with, her professionalism and attention to the finer details blew me away. I was so inspired. The performances, the outfits, the dancers, the lighting, all were next level. I learned so much about myself as a performer, down to stupid little things you wouldn’t even think of and those lessons are so valuable to take forward with me. Going on tour is something that I have been working towards ever since I started doing drag. I remember one of my first conversations with Kyle (the owner of DFIU Events) where I told him I would love to host a tour, and here we are just having finished our first tour together, and WOW what an experience.

Sasha Colby

If you want to experience a DFIU tour, you can come see the one and only Sasha Colby in September. Yes that’s right I’m off on tour again, hosting Sasha’s UK tour and I’m absolutely thrilled. You can grab your tickets @dfiuevents on Instagram.

Upcoming Gigs

I have the usual brunches and private gigs coming up throughout the summer, but I am delighted to be performing @dublin Pride with Disco social for their famous day time pride party on June 29th. I also will be co hosting Stafford’s very first Pride in August which is going to be a blast. There also might be another cheeky tour coming up very soon, but I can’t say anything about it right now.

As usual thank you so much for reading and for catching up with me, and I hope to see some of you at an upcoming gig soon!

Loads of love

Tailor xoxo

Get your tickets for Sasha Colby tickets here @ www.dfiuevents.com

You can also find Tailor Maid on Instagram @totally.tailor Bookings on Instagram or via email jamesmcguigan@me.com.

TToday marked the launch of HappyFest 2024 —a groundbreaking event igniting a wellness revolution in Northern Ireland. As the post-pandemic world seeks greater connectivity and a unified approach to health and wellbeing, HappyFest steps forward. This will be a day-long, fun-filled family-friendly event to help improve your mind, body, and soul.

Now entering its third year, HappyFest, which is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, has evolved into a pivotal wellness movement within Northern Ireland. Taking place on Sunday 7th July 2024, at Crawfordsburn Activity Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park, the event is expected to draw visitors from all over Ireland and the UK. Attendees will be treated to an uplifting, empowering celebration of health and healing.

Organised by wellness advocate Ciara Daly and her dedicated team, HappyFest 2024 aims to connect the Northern Ireland community with a diverse and varied selection of alternative therapies and healing practices, activities, workshops, fun and music. This year’s event promises to be bigger, better, and happier, marking a significant milestone in the wellness industry in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Ciara Daly said: ““We are delighted to be officially launching HappyFest today – we have so many exciting things planned for this year. We have people from all ages and all walks of life signed up to deliver a whole range of workshops, including breathwork, mindset coaching, yoga, workouts and alternative healing modalities.”

“As we emerge through these post-Covid years, the world is a very different place. There has been a lot of trauma, a lot of forced isolation and loneliness and the consequences of that haven’t even reached their full effects yet. My mission is to help people to know that there’s a whole world of help, there’s so many options beyond the doctor’s surgery. There are a vast selection of alternative therapies, community groups, wellness experts, and health professionals with practices and expertise available to everyone.

“I have experienced both sides of the happiness scale, with some of my own mental health struggles, and know it takes a village to support each person’s mental and physical health. That’s why I created this festival. And that’s what HappyFest is all about. It’s about hope, healing, happiness and community.

The event will feature over 50 exhibitors showcasing offerings from the alternative therapy world, nutrition, fitness, and more. “I’m excited to share some of the connections I’ve made through my own healing journey and through HappyFest. I believe that wellness and mental health don’t come with a one-size-fits-all prescription.”

The day-long event caters to all ages with live music, mindfulness activities for kids, face painting, art classes, food trucks, dancing, and fun performers. Neurodivergence experts will be available for young minds, while adults can enjoy inspiring speakers in an informal and relaxing speaker zone around the campfire. Topics will range from fitness, relationships, and mindset to nutrition.

Attendees will also enjoy storytelling on mythical Irish folklore and music from beloved local artists like Belfast’s Busker, John Garrity, Amanda St John, and Tyrell Black, who will play instruments from around the world. There will also be mindset workshops from Deirdre Maguire, workouts from Michael Lyons, Momentum Fitness and yoga by Ciara Cruiks, BIA Yoga.

Ciara Daly concludes, “We are passionate about celebrating all the wonderful things life has to offer. It’s about openness and having the difficult conversations if you are struggling and seeing that there is help out there. It’s also about community and enjoying the day with family and friends and making new connections. I hope everyone who comes along finds new possibilities and practical ways to improve their lives and ultimately their happiness.”

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, HappyFest is on Sunday, 7th July 2024, at Crawfordsburn Activity Centre. Tickets are priced at £18 for adults and £15 for children and a family ticket is £39 - available at HappyFestNI.com.

Individiual Photos: Both Ciara Daly, HappyFest Organiser