Claudia’s Performance
Asifa Lahore recommended I get in touch with Claudia, her childhood friend and collaborator. We all met for a drink at The Oval Tavern where Claudia talked to me about her drag persona ‘Shepherds Bush’, discovering her trans identity and forays into jewellery design.
The following video and text donation was received in July 2020.
The following video is of Croydon resident Claudia Lahore’s spoken word piece YOU. The work documents her experiences as an LGBT person, spanning a journey from identifying as a gay man to living her truth as a transgender woman.
The piece speaks about societal aggressions and pressures imposed on LGBT individuals, and the impending sense of anxiety with the pressures of Lockdown.
This performance was included at Digital Drag Society at Stanley Halls where Asifa and Claudia (as alter ego Shepherd’s Bush) ran a monthly drag event. Claudia and Asifa also run their own jewellery business Exotic Jewels which you can find out about here.
Please be aware that this poem/performance contains strong language and themes of self harm.
Resources:
Mind in Croydon: Mental health resource for residents of the London Borough of Croydon.
TransPALS: A group for mutual social support. “We meet at least once a month to chat, discuss issues and assist each other.”
LondonFriend: Established in 1972 London Friend is the UK’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans charity.