PHOTO: CRYPTID QUEERS
LGBTQ+
RETURN OF THE KING So, a new year is upon us, and this month I had the pleasure of meeting up with the iconic drag monster, King Confuza, to chat about his exciting plans for the year ahead. King Confuza has built a reputation for inclusive creative performance in Sheffield and beyond with their sell-out avantgarde celebration, Cryptid Queers. Known for its fusion of alternative music, drag performances, and commitment to inclusivity, it is now gearing up for his biggest event to date: King Confuza’s Cryptid Queers #7: Go Big Or Go Home! [Sat 17 Feb] at their new home at FORGE Warehouse. Set against the backdrop of Sheffield’s dynamic nightlife, Cryptid Queers promises a night of unparalleled entertainment and unapologetic self-expression. This popular event is evolving into a larger, fully accessible venue to accommodate its growing community. Now featuring two distinct rooms of music curated by acclaimed DJs Kohl, Gillywoo and L8N, the event boasts an enchanting mix of contemporary and classic alternative genres,
curated by resident and guest DJs, each with their own signature style. At the heart of the night’s allure lies the spellbinding performances by some of the UK’s most exhilarating drag monsters. From rising talents to established figures within the UK monster and alt cabaret scene, Cryptid Queers proudly showcases a diverse spectrum of drag artistry, celebrating individuality and creativity. Confuza tells me, “We aim to create an environment where everyone feels embraced, accepted, and free to express themselves authentically. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging within the queer and goth communities in a space that is welcoming and friendly.” The event commences at 9pm, with floor shows scheduled at 10pm and 11:30pm, offering a seamless blend of metal, alternative, goth, industrial, EBM and techno floor fillers between drag shows. Accessibility is a key focus, with free seating reservations for individuals with disabilities or health concerns. Additionally, optional tip
add-ons are available, directly contributing to supporting the guest performers and DJs, acknowledging their talent and dedication. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of creativity and unparalleled entertainment. Cryptid Queers invites you to embrace your uniqueness and join this celebration of individuality. For further inquiries and updates, follow Cryptid Queers on Instagram (@ cryptidqueerssheffield) or engage with the community through social media platforms. If you can’t wait until then, while January is typically a quiet month, we have a few offerings to tempt you out of the house from your New Year recovery. Electric Blue will be hosting a special one-off show, Beat The January Blues [Sat 6 Jan], at Malin Bridge Inn, jam-packed with comedy, audience participation and live hits, including all your favourite blue numbers. And there will be more drag from Emma Maezin’s Hunday Service [Every Sunday] with an afternoon and evening of games, fun and karaoke at The Three Tuns, and Sheffield’s
longest-running LGBTQ+ venue, Dempseys, will be hosting their popular Quiz and Bingo every Tuesday. For those of you whose New Year’s resolution is to be more active, Trans-Active Swimming [every Saturday] returns to Heeley Pool, and for those of you not quite ready to leave the house yet, Trevor will be back on Sheffield Live with Diversity Fest Radio [every Thursday]. If you want to get involved in this year’s festival, you can also head to the Diversity Fest 2024 Planning Meeting [Sun 21 Jan] at the Showroom Cinema Bar. And last but by no means least, if you want to improve your LGBTQ+ knowledge, then check out SAYiT’s LGBTQ+ Awareness Training [Wed 31 Jan], a CPD accredited online training session that explains all, from the difference between sexuality, sex, and gender to the UK laws that protect us. That’s your lot for this month. Make sure to check out the latest event announcements at www.facebook.com/ sheffieldlgbtevents.
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