By Tilly Foulkes
As a key cultural hub in the UK, Liverpool has a rich and delightful history when it comes to the creative arts. Music, art, literature and performance are key to Liverpool’s existence.
From the birth of the first official gay quarter in Britain – believed to have its origins in the Victorian era – to the fact it is today home to one of Europe’s largest Pride festivals; queer culture and history is undeniably weaved into Liverpool. Here are some of the LGBT people making the Liverpool creative scene what it is today.
Felix Mufti-Wright
Felix Muft-Wright is a multi-talented artist, working as an actor, activist, writer, performer and facilitator. Not only has he organised for Trans Pride Liverpool and Transgender Day of Remembrance, he’s also previously been commissioned by the Museum of Liverpool to write and perform a poem for the latter. He co-founded Transcend Theatre in the early days of 2020; writing about the everyday experiences of queer people that are often forgotten about when it comes to contemporary media and giving local LGBT+ people the opportunity to get involved in theatre.
Kiara Mohamed
Kiara Mohamed is a Somali, trans artist, using multiple disciplines to explore the intersections of identity – race, gender and sexuaity, as well as community and self-care. His work, which stretches from photography and filmmaking to poetry and artisanal handicraft, has previously been displayed at FACT. His short film ‘Home’ reflected on the concept and ideas of home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and used footage from Toxteth, where he’s based.
CRAWLERS
Combining the influences of Queens of the Stone Age and Nirvana, as well as the likes of Amy Winehouse and Joan Jett, CRAWLERS are Liverpool’s freshest musical talent. Self-described as a ‘silly little eyeliner band’, they’re an exciting addition to Liverpool’s scene, who seem to keep excelling further with every release. With only seven songs on Spotify, they’ve already amassed over 1 million monthly listeners, and have recently signed to a major record label.
House of Suarez
House Of Suarez – created by Darren Suarez – in their own words, ‘exists to recognise and celebrate vogue culture as an independent art form incorporating unique & specific dance technique, theatre, costume design/creation and drag performance.’ The organisation is fiercely anti-ractist, aiming to be inclusive and championing diverse talent. Since it’s first event in 2008 – as part of the Homotopia programme for European Capital of Culture – House of Suarez has gone on to host annual vogue events; celebrating ballroom culture and its connections to LGBT history, ballooning into a key cultural event the city holds in its diary.
Lo Tierney
Lo Tierney is an activist and illustrator based in Liverpool. Taking influence from drag culture, the Riot Grrrl movement, and the modernist style of Henri Matisse, Tierney creates fun and inspiring prints and illustrations. She has worked for the likes of the Walker Art Gallery and the Whitechapel Centre, as well as previously having a solo exhibition at Output Gallery.
Find out more about the amazing LQBT+ events happening across Liverpool in our What’s On section.
