Liverpudlian drag queen and season four winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Danny Beard, captivated the audience at the Edinburgh Pride 2023 launch party held at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. In a resplendent royal purple velvet gown, complete with trademark white-painted face, Beard took to the stage and delivered a showstopping repertoire of musical hits. His enchanting presence and undeniable talent were met with an outpouring of admiration from fans.
Having triumphed in the fourth season of Drag Race UK in 2022, Danny Beard emerged victorious without ever facing elimination, surpassing runner-up Cheddar Gorgeous and the talented contestants Jonbers Blonde and Black Peppa, who secured third place. Beard’s journey extended beyond the realm of Drag Race, as he went on to compete in the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2016 and achieved an impressive fourth place on Karaoke Club: Drag Edition.
Amidst the festivities, Beard paused to strike a pose in front of the majestic Edinburgh Castle, capturing a breathtaking photograph that garnered tremendous attention on Instagram. Fans flooded the comments section, expressing their awe and admiration. One follower hailed him as the “QUEEN OF SCOTLAND,” prompting Beard to playfully respond with a nod to season two Drag Race UK winner Lawrence Chaney, jokingly stating, “don’t tell Lozza,” referencing Chaney’s Glasgow roots. Another fan exclaimed, “Look at you! Absolutely gorgeous and loving the best life. God, I love you Danny Beard,” while a third expressed gratitude for his sensational performance at Edinburgh Pride, highlighting the impact he has on the LGBTQ+ community.
In a candid moment, Beard was captured on video, gliding through the streets of Edinburgh atop an e-scooter, fearlessly sporting a mini-skirt and stiletto platforms. Unquestionably, he continued to slay, exuding confidence and resilience.
Beyond the celebration, as LGBTQ+ individuals and allies marched along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a group of religious protesters brandished signs espousing homophobic messages regarding marriage. However, their divisive presence was eclipsed by the overwhelming joy and pride radiating from the event attendees. Trans Pride flags and the resounding voices of LGBTQ+ marchers united to drown out the hate, passionately proclaiming, “you are loved” and “we are exactly how God made us.”
Likewise, at Birmingham Pride, a local drag queen named Fatt Butcher garnered cheers and applause for expertly shutting down an anti-LGBTQ+ protester. Amidst the heckling and animosity, Butcher seized the moment, using their megaphone to deliver a powerful message of love and inclusivity. Addressing the protester, they exclaimed, “We are love, and the only sin that’s happening right now is you spreading hate. You’re loved by all the f*****s here, even though you hate us. Everyone here disagrees with you. So go ahead and have a gorgeous time burning in hell by yourself, alright babes.”
As Pride events continue to stand as vibrant celebrations of diversity and acceptance, individuals like Danny Beard and Fatt Butcher use their platforms to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community, spreading love and combating hate with unwavering courage.