Local voices of LGBTQ+ Yorkshire podcast to bring their charisma, uniqueness and the full belly laughs to Barnsley Pride main stage on 12th July. Expect camp 'organised' chaos, northern proudness and more glitter than a drag queen's dressing room. 

​

Who is your LGBTQ+ s/hero (or non-binary)? 

 

Jason: Brian Molko, lead vocalist and guitarist of Placebo, has been a significant figure in supporting and representing the LGBTQ+ community throughhis music, personal expression, and advocacy.

 

In the mid 1990s, when Britpop’s macho aesthetics dominated, Molko’s androgynous style and openness about his bisexuality challenged traditional gender norms, using makeup and women’s clothing as a political statement against homophobia. Placebo’s music also reflected LGBTQ+ themes, with their 1996 single “Nancy Boy” reclaiming sexual ambiguity and bringing discussions of fluidity into the mainstream.

 

Throughout his career, Molko has used his platform to promote freedom, tolerance, and acceptance, standing up against prejudice and actively supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Through his visibility, he has provided representation for those who feel marginalized, inspiring many to embrace their identities unapologetically and fostering a sense of belonging for queer individuals everywhere.

​

Jay Jay: My LGBTQ+ hero would have to be Holston. Apart from being a trend setter and extremely talented, he was a person who knew his worth and was able to stand for what he wanted from life being unapologetic.

​

What is your earliest memory of pride, and which was the first one you attended? 

 

Jason: My first Pride experience was at Doncaster Market, a small but powerful celebration held outside “Bar NY,” Doncaster’s only gay bar at the time. That bar was more than just a venue, it was a safe space where the LGBTQ+ community could come together, feel accepted, and truly be themselves.

 

On that day, Pride wasn’t just confined to the bar. We were spilling out into the town, making our presence known and showing that we weren’t going to hide away. It was a fantastic day filled with joy, music, and unity, a true testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community. For once, I had no fear of discrimination, just pure celebration, proving to the town that we knew how to party and that we belonged.

​

Jay Jay: My first pride experience was at Wakefield pride in my early teens with my Uncle. I had only just come out and was very overwhelmed with it all. My eyes were all over the place as there was so much going on and so many people. At the time, I didn’t realise that so many LGBTQ+ people existed.

​

What are your thoughts on the importance of representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community?

 

Jason: I feel it’s strongly important to be visible as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Representation isn’t just about being seen, it’s about showing others that they are not alone and that they belong. In these pressing times, when discrimination and prejudice still exist, visibility is a powerful tool in challenging outdated views and fostering acceptance.

 

Being someone who can stand up against discrimination means using my voice to advocate for equality, inclusion, and respect. It’s about standing alongside my community, offering support, and being at the forefront as a kind and respectful representative. By doing so, we create a world where future generations don’t have to fight as hard to be accepted for who they are.

​

Jay Jay: I think it’s EXTREMELY important to be visible and represent our community as not everyone in our community can represent themselves and sometimes need to see others doing it so they can build the confidence to be themselves.

 

Whilst ever there are people in the world who question or do not accept people for who they are, we need to be here to show our pride in ourselves and our community whilst also educating people and giving an understanding of what it means to be LGBTQ+.

​

A few of the boys' favourite things

​

Jason: 'Keeping Moving' by FIVE will always get me up on the dance floor with a glass of prosecco in hand, and anything with Branston Pickle in the other. On the beach is my favourite place to be and the legend Lady Gaga is my all time LGBTQ+ music icon.

​

Jay Jay: Bella Cao (Techno Mix) will always get me up on the dance floor with a glass of Aperol Spritz in hand, and a block of cheese in the other. Anywhere hot with a cocktail is my favourite place to be and the legend Dolly Parton is my all time LGBTQ+ music icon.

​

What's your answer to living your best life?

​

Jason: To always live my best life I'm always out and about with friends, touring a City, in and out bars, dancing till I drop. I wouldn’t have it any other way!​

​

Jay Jay: I am living my best life when I am travelling with my Husband, drinking cocktails and just acting the fool together.

 

I think when living your best life, it’s about the memories and what it means is when you think about all the things that make you smile like holidays together, walking the dog in the sun.

​

Want more Jay Jay and Jason? head to @GaysUpNorth on Facebook and TikTok