I’m not being funny but… what is going on with crime at the moment? As every day goes by I am hearing more and more horrific reports from people, whether it’s muggings in Soho or hate crimes against (my) LGBTQ+ community.
I’d like to talk about this a little today. The Standard published an insightful article just over a month ago. This stated that in the past year alone, hate crimes against my community rose by 41 per cent and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’ll rise further this year. With anti-trans rhetoric coming directly from our Prime Minister in his party’s scramble to turn people against each other, it sets a dangerous narrative in painting my trans+ siblings as some kind of enemy when all they want is to be able to live as who they are.
Once a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, we are down to 17th on the list of Europe’s safest cities for the queer community
That concept is so simple, yet for some reason it angers so many. Did you know that anti-trans hate crimes have risen by 240 per cent in five years? You see how our politicians are taking a leaf out of the US playbook, where they don’t have any decent policies they want to pass, so they turn their constituents against the marginalised to distract from the dire state they’ve put our country in. Well I’ve had enough. I am sick and tired of my community being painted out to be something it isn’t — we just want to be left alone, to love whichever other consenting adult we want to love.
The Government quietly took the conversion therapy ban off the table, did you know that? Once a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, we find ourselves right down as 17th on the list of Europe’s safest cities for the queer community and our trust in our police and government is at a low point. Too often we’re hearing reports on how the police were too slow to the mark. We see extremes of three police vans turning up, say, to arrest someone drunk and disorderly, and on the other end, nothing more than a crime reference number for more aggressive reports. I respect the police force, let me get that straight — but we need reason to confidently believe in them providing us safety again.
I was recently told by a source at the Mayor’s office that crime rates in central London have dropped. Simultaneously, the Standard published data from TfL showing an 83 per cent rise in thefts on public transport, I imagine an issue that carries onto the streets too. We need this to be addressed and we need a campaign to make Londoners aware that the police will be more proactive in tackling petty thefts — either to deter criminals, or so that we, the majority, feel safer. So… this festive period, promise me you’ll be vigilant. Leave your watch and your nice jewellery at home, the last thing you want is for a mugging to ruin your Christmas.
Pawsome win for the Standard
On a brighter note… following my article a couple weeks ago, we have our first win! Thrilled to announce that Selfridges has become dog-friendly. It is officially allowing small and medium-sized dogs on a fixed leash into the store.
When I got that call, I was delighted, it’s going to be so beneficial, not just for shoppers but for the store too. Thank you for listening, Selfridges! As soon as I heard, I took full advantage and took my pup, Reenie, on a trip to the store. Selfridges has gone all out this season, with glitter drops in the atrium and Father Christmas parading around with dancers in giant bows. There are drag queens, DJs, every night is special. And it technically costs nothing to check out. Its Kit Kat cabaret bar just opened too — phenomenal and it’s open to the public. Merry Woofmas Selfridges!
Last week I played at NT’s Loft in London Fields, hosting my new club night Move. It was intimate, sweaty and sold out. Just perfect! My next big London shows are New Year’s Eve at Lio London and a New Year’s Day special edition of Full Fat, so I hope to see some of you there. On that, I leave you with my joyous track of the week: I Wanna Be Your Lover — Mark Knight, Sgt Slick, Beverley Knight.
