TL;DR
- Michael Felse, a former drag queen, is now a Reform UK councillor.
- He calls for councils to stop funding Pride events.
- Felse claims Pride events offer little social value.
- His comments have sparked backlash from the LGBTQ community.
- He performed as Ethol Mary before adopting a new persona.
In a twist that has left many in the LGBTQ community reeling, Michael Felse, a former drag queen who once led the Manchester Pride parade, has been elected as a councillor for Reform UK. This unexpected political shift has him calling for councils to cease funding Pride events, a move that has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Felse, who dazzled crowds under the glittering persona of Ethol Mary, won the Barton and Winton by-election in Salford on April 22. Now, he’s trading in his sequins for a new, more “butch” character he’s dubbed “Captain England.” This persona is part of his campaign to promote Pride events under the acronym DICK: Diversity, Inclusion, Cohesion, and Kinship. But wait, isn’t this the same guy who once reveled in the vibrant world of drag?
Despite his colorful past, Felse has taken a sharp turn, criticizing what he describes as “woke” councils. He boldly declared, “All councils should stop funding Pride events that bring little value to social inclusion and instead get on with the bread and butter council duties.” Talk about a plot twist!
His remarks have not gone unnoticed, especially among the readers of PinkNews, whom he specifically called out. “Hundreds of online lefties on PinkNews attacked my honest opinion,” Felse lamented, showcasing the backlash he’s received since joining Nigel Farage’s party. It’s clear that this former Pride leader is now swimming against the tide.
Reflecting on his past, Felse once said it was an “honor” to be the Pride Queen, stating, “For some strange reason this year it is going to me.” He believed that his time in a wig and high heels wouldn’t make politics look silly. “It’s really important that we don’t suddenly think that everyone fits in one box; everybody is different,” he noted, emphasizing the need for engagement and choice in politics.
But now, as he steps into a political role, the question remains: can a former drag queen really advocate for cuts to Pride funding without facing backlash? This dramatic shift raises eyebrows and concerns within the community he once celebrated. Will his new role as Captain England serve to unite or divide?
As the debate rages on, Felse’s journey from drag to politics is a reminder that the lines between identity and ideology can often blur. For more on the implications of his controversial stance, check out our previous coverage on Drag Queen Turned Councillor Calls for Cuts. Stay tuned as this story unfolds, because in the world of politics, anything can happen!