Nottingham has a colourful palette of local, committed and diverse LGBTQ+ artists and creatives. Baby Tap, DJ Boz, Marilyn Sane, and Nana Arthole are all part of the Nottingham club night Gladrags, a welcoming space that hosts DJs, live music, drag and burlesque performers, where all people can get their Gladrags on and be authentic without judgement. They told us more about who they are, the events that are happening across the city, and the new wave of LGBTQ+ identifying musicians who are emerging from Nottingham…
Despite Nottingham’s LGBTQ+ scene being eclectic and effervescent, the scene can be somewhat hard to find. Nonetheless, it's worth the hunt - but something which is unanimous among Baby Tap, DJ Boz, Marilyn Sane, and Nana Arthole is a concern about the lack of queer spaces in Nottingham.
“I think people would love to see more established venues in Nottingham hosting LGBTQ+ entertainment regularly - not just when it is to cater to a cis-het crowd,” says Marilyn, who feels that the talent and diversity of the scene are not being utilised. “There’s so much talent on our front doorstep and quite often we see that undervalued in favour of an entertainer that has been on TV.”
Meanwhile, DJ Boz thinks it would be great to see more events that are different to what is already on offer. He adds that it's great to see LGBTQ+ artists getting involved in other kinds of events, including the upcoming techno-based night Mullraum, but that more dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces in the city would be great, too - including ones that aren't based on nightlife.
Nana adds that queer entertainment shouldn’t just be about going out and drinking; sober events could benefit the community, while DJ Boz highlights that promoters like Liv Presents deliver special events for the community. He recommends several diverse and talented LGBTQ+ identifying musicians, including Baby Tap, Yay Maria, G4YBOY, Hurtsfall, Minatore, Gender Envy and Cheap Dirty Horse.
Showing up and talking about Nottingham’s queer artists is the most effective way to keep them visible. There are so many exciting events coming up, most of which are self-funded, DIY, and curated out of passion and love for their work and peers. Despite the lack of permanent queer infrastructures in Nottingham, these artists are doing their utmost to build community and safe spaces for old and new residents. The momentum is growing in 2024 - keep an eye out and get involved.
To find out more about the events that Gladrags have coming up, find them on Instagram and Facebook @gladragsnotts
Baby Tap (he/him/they)
Who are you?
I’m a music artist, producer, rapper and DJ and have been dabbling with music since I was a kid.
What are your biggest inspirations?
The people around me inspire me the most. My inspirations range from visual artists like Hoso Terra Toma and Niohuru X to musicians like Dorian Electra, Arca, Ashnikko, Björk and M.I.A.
What were your highlights of 2023?
Halloween and Pride, they’re my favourite holidays. And my album launch party, it was a dream come true, like a hundred birthdays rolled into one.
What are your goals for 2024?
To continue doing what I’m doing with the people I love, but more, and bigger. I have a few more records I want to finish up and release. Another music video would be great, too!
Where can we find you?
My music is on Bandcamp. If people just click play and listen, my heart is happy. I guess coming to a show to see what I do is the full experience though. There are also Gladrags and Drag Bingo events coming up.
DJ Boz (he/him)
Who are you?
I'm DJ Boz, a DJ and event curator on Nottingham's alternative LGBTQ+ party scene.
What are your biggest inspirations?
My inspirations come from performers and DJs across the punk, alternative and queer communities, particularly many female-identifying performers. In terms of club-nights, I was inspired by legendary promoters like the late Simon Hobart, who delivered alternative LGBTQ+ nights.
What were your highlights of 2023?
The Gladrags biggest Pride night yet at Metronome, a beautiful New Year’s Party, and so many more.
What are your goals for 2024?
To continue ensuring Gladrags delivers welcoming, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people and its allies. I'll also be supporting techno night Mullraum.
Where can we find you?
The best way to support Gladrags is to buy tickets and show up - without that these nights wouldn't happen. We have events throughout 2024 starting with our fetish-based night Gag on 17 February at Rough Trade.
Marilyn Sane (he/him/she/her)
Who are you?
I’m Marilyn Sane; Nottingham’s Best Drag Queen (just ask my mum) and I’ve been performing for thirteen years now (way before Drag Race made it ‘cool’).
What are your biggest inspirations?
I love looking to villains for my inspiration. There’s nothing more visually exciting than a femme fatale but it’s even better when they’re fun with it. I also love old Hollywood iconography.
What were your highlights of 2023?
I loved hosting Nottingham Pride with some of the city’s other glorious performers. Huge thank you to DJ Boz and Nana for being so amazing at finding and booking so many wonderful acts!
What are your goals for 2024?
I really want to create more of my signature comedic original music whilst elevating my drag even further.
Where can we find you?
You can follow me on Instagram @marilynsane for regular updates.
Nana Arthole (he/she/they)
Who are you?
I’m Thom; a writer, artist, entertainer and all-round creative type. I perform as Nana Arthole – one half of G4YBOY with Franx. I’ve been performing as Nana since around 2013, while G4YBOY started in 2021.
What are your biggest inspirations?
I’m surrounded by a community of phenomenal artists and creative people, who inspire me to create better work and events. Baby Tap, Franx, my husband at Gladrags, Marilyn Sane - they’re all unapologetically queer and visible.
What were your highlights of 2023?
When G4YBOY played Rock City alongside Baby Tap and Tokky Horror, and Nottingham’s Pride party at Metronome.
What are your goals for 2024?
We hope to create a G4YBOY music video as well as releasing some new music, too. I would also love to do a one-person show as Nana. I just want to see Nottingham go from strength to strength.
Where can we find you?
You can find my account and joint accounts here: @artholethom, @alrightg4yboy, @unnamed_drag. The best way to support me is by coming to events and being an active part of the community.
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