THE lack of a permanent LGBTQ+ space in Jersey is hindering social inclusion and driving young people away, a local drag performer has said.
Helier de la Haye, known by his drag persona Bonny Bon Wee, has described LGBTQ+ nightlife in the Island as “non-existent” and is advocating for change.
He has called for a multi-purpose venue with an attached social space or eatery that could host youth events during the day and nightclub events in the evening.
“I think a multi-purpose space would be an ideal starting point because it would benefit everyone within the community,” he said.
He added that such a venue could be “a catalyst to create more spaces going forward in the near future”.
His comments come after Liberate Jersey chief executive Kaye Nicholson suggested that a dedicated multi-functional space could be set up to provide a safe environment for marginalised groups. Her vision was a place that could serve as an outreach centre, offer peer support, education and training, and play host to performances and events.
Mr de la Haye argued that such a space would not only benefit the LGBTQ+ community but could also help retain young people and local talent while attracting visitors.
“People find community within spaces when they are surrounded by people like themselves,” he said. “Without a space like this for people like me, it creates unsafe environments for people to be themselves and actually fuels more friction from people that oppose people being out and proud because it’s still seen as ‘abnormal’, which it’s not.
“We just want to live, and love, and be accepted for just being ourselves, as much as anyone else is able to,” he added.
He also said that such a space would provide more regular performance opportunities for drag artists and other LGBTQ+ performers: “We have incredibly talented LGBTQ+ artists here in Jersey, where their talent and experience are not allowed to thrive like it would elsewhere.
“This talent eventually leaves Jersey, so we need it to stay here, create more opportunities and it would only benefit the whole Island economically as well.”
Mr de la Haye argued that Jersey was “far, far behind the times” compared to other places in terms of inclusivity and nightlife options.
He said: “Nightlife in general is dying in Jersey, everyone my age can see it, and leaves the Island eventually.
“Why would you spend £100 on a night out in Jersey, with a handful of options, when compared to somewhere like London, with a multitude of many many more options, which are LGBTQ+ friendly places?
“Jersey needs to hurry up because it’s being left behind in the past like it’s the 1950s.”
