TL;DR
- Michael Felse, a former drag performer, is now a councillor for Reform UK.
- He calls for cuts to Pride funding, claiming they lack social value.
- Felse previously led the Manchester Pride parade in 2011.
- His comments have sparked backlash from the LGBTQ+ community.
- Felse’s political history includes ties with UKIP and English Democrats.
In a jaw-dropping twist of fate, Michael Felse, a former drag performer known for his flamboyant persona as Ethol Mary, has been elected as a councillor for Reform UK in Salford. But instead of celebrating with glitter and confetti, he’s making headlines for his controversial call to cut funding for Pride events. Yes, you heard that right – the man who once led the Manchester Pride parade is now saying councils should stop supporting these celebrations.
Felse won the Barton and Winton by-election with 676 votes, narrowly beating Labour’s Catherine Goodyer, who garnered 643 votes. With a turnout of just 17.82%, it seems the local political scene is as lively as a quiet pub on a Tuesday night. But Felse isn’t here to sip tea; he’s ready to shake things up.
After his election victory, Felse declared, “All councils should stop funding Pride events that bring little value to social inclusion.” Talk about a plot twist! This statement has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, with many questioning how someone who once donned sequins and heels could turn his back on the very events that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Felse, who has rebranded himself as “Captain England,” has introduced a new interpretation of Pride, using the acronym DICK: Diversity, Inclusion, Cohesion, and Kinship. While his creativity is commendable, the timing of his comments raises eyebrows. Critics are quick to point out the hypocrisy of a former Pride Queen now advocating for cuts to the very celebrations he once championed.
In a rather dramatic fashion, he claimed that after joining Reform UK, he faced backlash from “hundreds of online lefties on PinkNews” for sharing his honest opinion. It seems that honesty isn’t always the best policy, especially when it involves slashing funding for events that many see as vital for LGBTQ+ visibility and support.
Felse’s political history is as colorful as his drag performances. Before joining Reform UK, he dabbled with the UK Independence Party in 2019 and even ran for the English Democrats in 2010. It’s safe to say he’s no stranger to the political arena, but his latest stance raises questions about his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Reflecting on his time as the Manchester Pride Queen in 2011, Felse said it was “considered to be an honour.” Back then, he dismissed concerns that his drag persona might undermine his political credibility, asserting, “I don’t think I’ll be taken as a joke.” But now, with his recent comments, one has to wonder if he’s inadvertently making a mockery of the very community he once represented.
The Barton and Winton by-election was triggered by the passing of long-serving Labour councillor David Lancaster, leaving a void that Felse has now filled with his controversial views. As he embarks on this new chapter, the LGBTQ+ community watches closely, wondering what this means for the future of Pride events in Salford and beyond.
While Felse may think he’s on a noble mission to cut unnecessary funding, many believe he’s simply throwing shade on the very essence of Pride. Will he continue to advocate for cuts, or will he reconsider his stance in light of the backlash? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this drama is far from over.