Drag Queen Workout to kick off Pride Month

It is hoped the high-energy sessions will encourage people "to strike a pose, learn to stretch like a queen and laugh your way into the morning"

The south west’s first drag queen fitness class will open Pride celebrations in the region.

Drag Queen Workout will be held at Lost Horizon in Bristol on 1 June, kicking off national Pride month.

The classes, which first started in Bristol in November, focus on comedy and confidence building.

Performer UGLY, who will be leading the two-hour class alongside Miss Venus Wailer, said the sessions help to “reinforce the message that you have every right to be unashamedly yourself”.

UGLY said: “It’s such a joyful class and everyone is welcome, you don’t have to be a regular"

UGLY added: “No one takes themselves seriously. I mean, have you ever seen someone try to exercise in five inch platform heels, a corset and a highly backcombed wig?”

Drag Queen Workout will also lead a mass session live on the Dance Stage at Bristol Pride Day on 13 July.

The event's director, Daryn Carter, said he was “so excited” for it.

“Drag Queens have always been at the forefront of the Pride movement,” he added.

Both UGLY and Miss Venus Wailer are international performers who have graced stages including Love Saves the Day festival and are part of the inclusive dance collective Shade Cartel.

UGLY (L) and Miss Venus Wailer (R) will be leading the Drag Queen Workout classes

Venus, who is originally from Venezuela, said: “We feel we have spread the joy of exploration through the workouts. And the people that join us are great.

"They allow us to make them laugh, move with us, shake out some stress and lift their self-esteem; that’s what drag is all about”.

Synth-pop band The Human League will headline Bristol Pride 2024, as it celebrates its 15th anniversary in the city.

Taking place at The Downs, the festival will include more than 200 artists, including dance star Georgia, Ladytron, Stars of RuPaul's Drag Race and Claire Richards from Steps.

Bristol Pride runs from 29 June until the main Pride Day on 13 July.

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