The performers said it comes at a time when ‘far too many young souls have been lost’
Pride Quarter drag queens are set to swap their standard Saturday shift in the city’s queer venues for something unusual. Debbie Darling and Ketona Madrave can typically be found in the likes of Stanley Street’s Superstar Boudoir or Eberle Street’s Gbar entertaining crowds till all hours in the morning.
However, this weekend looks a little different for the pair as they plan to abseil down the city’s Anglican Cathedral in full drag for a good cause. The Saturday, September 21 challenge is to raise funds for Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity Sahir House.
Host and performer Debbie Darling told the ECHO: “’ve pulled off some wild fundraisers for Sahir before. I see how much Sahir is out here grafting for our LGBTQ+ family, and I’ve got to do my bit.
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“I’ve worked alongside CEO Ant Hopkinson on all these shindigs, and it’s been eye-opening. The team work so hard and out here providing the counselling and peer support our community needs. As someone who’s also a mental health nurse by day, it’s something I’m proud to scream from the rooftops.
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“So, when I was asked to jump myself off a building in full drag to raise some money for this fabulous cause, I said ‘Get me some hairspray, let’s do it. It’s all for the LGBTQ+ family, and trust me, Sahir deserves every penny.”
Sahir House has integrated itself into carrying out vital work across Merseyside since its inception in 1985. The health and well-being charity offers HIV support, prevention, information and training across the region. The group is instrumental in helping the government eradicate all new HIV diagnoses by 2030 and aiding asylum seekers as they settle into the city.
DJ Ketona Madrave added: “Meeting the Sahir team was a real eye-opener. They’re doing the most for our community. I work in LGBTQ+ venues across town and believe me, I’ve seen what’s really going on with our community. It’s heartbreaking. We’ve lost far too many young queer souls to the struggles of modern life, and it’s left a huge hole in the heart of our scene.
“Let’s face it when you’re a drag queen, or behind the bar, or standing at the door, people tell you everything – we end up being part-time therapists half the time and we’re not always ready for it. That’s why Sahir’s work is so vital.
“They’re providing real, professional support, and without them, we’d be lost. So yeah, babe, I’ll jump off a building in stilettos if it means keeping this amazing work going.”
Barry Jones, who was born in Walton and grew up in Sefton, will also be joining them. The 61-year-old Income generation and training manager told the ECHO: “I came back to Britain and it’s still austerity Britain.
“Money to fund charities is so hard to come by these days. Anything we can to elevate our footprint and get the charity’s attention, I’m willing to do.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
