Meet Preston drag queen Vixen Von Rouge who wants to change some mindsets and bring more acceptance the city
When Prestonian Kyle Clarkson was growing up he dreamed of being a drag queen - now, at 21, he dreams of educating and helping others stop the hate and be more accepting of it.
Under the guise of Vixen Von Rouge, he puts on what he deems his ‘armour’ aka his outfit and makeup and proudly navigates the world as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, entertaining his captivated audience as he goes.
Battling a few judgemental mindsets with people hurling abuse at him on the street, Kyle also deals with autism, cerebral palsy, and partial deafness.
However, with Pride Month approaching, he decided to speak out in the hope that it will bring some much needed inclusive magic to the Preston area.
Kyle, who has been performing for nearly a year, said: “I have always wanted to perform and entertain people.
“I don’t just perform; I break barriers to prove that accessibility and "slaying" go hand-in-hand.
“Whether it’s commanding a room with my vocals or connecting with diverse audiences through my advocacy, I offer an experience that is as authentic as it is unforgettable.”
He added: “I have always felt a bit like I don’t belong in Preston. It doesn’t have a drag scene like Manchester has.
“It would be nice to bring more of this to the city and make being ‘different’ more readily accepted and welcoming. It’s called Proud Preston for a reason and I would like to be part of that.
“I sometimes have people hurl abuse at me in the street and, whereas it used to upset me, now I use it as fuel to spur me on to do what I want to do and want makes me happy.”
Kyle, who came out when he was 18, also credits his family for helping him become more accepting of himself.
He said: “I struggle performing as myself but not as Vixen - once I put my armour on I have a newfound strength which I would not have without my family.”