In line with our aim to highlight the vibrant and beautiful queer community, the valuable impact they have on society and the richness of their talents, it seemed fitting for Director of Northern Pride, Ste Dunn, to catch up with the North East’s very own L Devine ahead of this year’s celebrations.
Born in Whitley Bay, L Devine (Liv), released her debut album ‘Digital Heartifacts’ earlier this year, before embarking on a UK wide tour to share her art. With an upcoming headline gig at this year’s Generator Live, proud patrons of Northern Pride, we found out what being unapologetically visible means to her, how important it is to have queer representation at all levels across the music industry and gained some words of wisdom for emerging artists.
Visibility in the queer community can represent so many wonderful things, individual to each person based on their personal and lived experiences.
“Being unapologetically visible means to live truly authentically. Which holds meaning in both my experience as an artist and as a queer person. I’ve found so much power and inspiration in my experiences as a queer person or as someone who was deemed an outsider growing up. I think people underestimate the strength it takes to constantly have to show people who you are and what it is you stand for in the face of so much prejudice and queer people do this every day with so much spirit.”
A common experience amongst the LGBTQIA+ community, and something that often acts as an obstruction to people living their truth, is a lack of representation, in your surroundings, in your special interests, and in the media.
Queer artists are consistently showing up for the community, and by curating music that expresses her truth and represents her individuality, Liv is amongst those paving the way, giving permission for others to live authentically.
Touching on the importance of queer representation across the music industry, Liv said:
“I think the music industry has a responsibility to represent the people who are listening to the music. Whether that’s in the studio or in label roles, these are the people who are curating what we hear, and I think in order for them to truly understand our queer audiences there needs to be representation in every room.”
When asked about where she looks to for inspiration, she added: “The next generation of queer young people and the shoulders we stand on, all the pioneers of the LGBTQIA+ movement.”
Being unapologetically visible is a journey, and every individual’s trajectory to this is different. For emerging artists looking to be more visible, Liv advises:
“I think every proper trailblazer, or really iconic artist you look up to is truly individual and when it comes to art, we view that kind of uniqueness as a superpower. A lot of parts of myself that felt so different to everyone else when I was growing up, and often I felt shame about, are the parts of me that have really thrived in my career as an artist. So, hold onto those unique parts of yourself, nurture your individuality, that’s your superpower!”
Last year, over 15,000 people braved the heavy rain to join the pride march, which then lead on to the first day of the celebration at the Town Moor where many more flocked to the festival.
“I love the true sense of community in the North East, especially where I’m from, its always felt like everyone really has each other’s backs.”
By bringing events such as Pride in the City to the North East year on year, we aim to bring consistent visibility to the region.
“I think it’s so important to bring visibility to the North East, and showcase the diversity and local culture that flourishes in our region. I think growing up I felt the town I lived in was too small to truly be myself, events like this create a safe but also vibrant, celebratory space that combat those feelings of isolation queer people may feel in smaller towns.”
The queer community, past, present and future is full of some of the most iconic, unique and rich talent, and so it’s no surprise that when we asked who Liv who her all-time favourite queer icon was, it was too difficult to pin down one name.
“Of all time is way too tough sorry! But right now, I love Chappell Roan.”
For those on Chappell Roan TikTok - it turns out she really is our favourite artist’s, favourite artist.
This year’s main event will take place over the weekend of 19-21 July, has moved from the Town Moor to various locations across Newcastle. The Pride Arena, at Central Park in Times Square, will host Drag icons, 90s favourites, top DJs, leading tribute acts and local stars for this year’s new-look Northern Pride. Across the city, the Curious Arts Stage will take over Northern Stage, and the Family and Youth activities will consume the newly renovated Assembly Rooms, and the vibrant market stalls will take over the streets surrounding Greys Monument and Old Eldon Square, truly encompassing a city-wide take over.
To catch L Devine headlining Generator Live, get your tickets here:
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