Thirty years for any gig has been quite long for most people, but it’s still “surprising” to Vicky Lee, co-founder and host of the WayOut Club Night, to be praised for his 30 years of work. Didn’t really expect it. After doing something for 30 years, it becomes part of you and isn’t considered special. “
But the special Lee is. Her pioneering life began last night, primarily dedicated to WayOut Transinclusive Clubnight, when the “T” wasn’t yet part of the LGBT movement (and decades before LGBTQIA +). Coco’s Syrock Iconic Ball was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the London movement’s pride.
Lee’s story is noteworthy. When WayOut started in 1993, there was little like that. “It’s worth noting what we achieved in a time when Vicky Lee was ignored before securing a regular trance club night,” says designer Michael Halpan. “Today’s community is so lucky that we strive to create a safe space for the trance community.”
Halpan’s praise is given by Giles Deacon, who calls Lee “a worthy advocate who breaks the barriers that paved the way for many,” and Jardindan, a model who calls her a “shining beacon of hope.” It is shared.
Still, Lee humbly tells her story. WayOut says she started because there were very few lines of communication between like-minded people. “At that time we had language restrictions. At that time, the word transgender wasn’t really there. So we were all looking for words that might be of interest to you. I knew how I felt, but it was difficult to find someone else who had it in my head, “she recalls. On the pre-internet, it meant looking for “small indicators, words, expressions —” and flicking a copy of the timeout. Soho’s new night! And you’ll go with them, and there will be four people … in jeans. “
WayOut was founded by Lee and Steffan Whitfield “to create a space where people can express themselves, create themselves, and network.” To spread the word, they turned to the same page they were using. — And some more unusual routes. “There was a magazine where you could buy nails, screws, work clothes, etc. But there was a corner in the back where you could buy thigh-high boots and metamorphosis knicker, so I advertised that people dressed as women are welcome.” Continued. Lee and Whitfield said, “We’re doing a drug show at a gay venue and they’re very helpful to us, promoting and welcoming people. [to WayOut].. On the first night of 1993, more than 100 people gathered. Since then, they are less than ever.
Drug acts in the club have already been established, but Lee and Whitfield wanted something subtly different. “Drugs break through because they are colorful and noisy, but transgender people don’t necessarily want to be seen that way, and many want to be accepted through society. The transformer is still in the background. “Therefore, WayOut wasn’t necessarily noticeable, it was to help people feel as if they had space to fit in. “When you come in, you might think you’re in a straight nightclub — you know, we had guys and girls — but you’ll look a little closer . “
We aimed to create a space where people could express themselves, be creative as themselves, and network.
While WayOut moved across the city, it was Lee and Whitfield’s entertainment “color and spice” that kept WayOut moving before settling in its current home in the Minories building near Tower Hill. “We encouraged you to join the creatives who came with us. We did catwalk pageants, recreated MTV videos, and musicals (The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella), so what’s over 30 years? We did hundreds of shows. We could have 20 people in the show. They were very extraordinary! We just wanted people to join us. “
They also participated in the face of club owners and the general public who do not always understand what WayOut wants to achieve. Lee looks very cool about the situation. Or, as Pam Hogg puts it, “Finding a transclub home in the West End in the early 90’s would have been widely threatened by abuse. Walking down the street was trying to be courageous. It was a minefield for those who decided. “
Encourage them for what they have done. Last night’s honor at the Cîroc Iconic Ball, where Lee was celebrated as an icon of the scene, recognized her instrumental role in raising awareness of the “T” part of LGBT, and people under the broad umbrella of trance, including Lee. Called “Intermediate, definitely not something, but only for myself”.
Transgender rights have recently dominated headlines. As visibility increases, so does prejudice — “at this point, perhaps 10 years ago,” Lee sighs — but WayOut’s founders are optimistic about the future. Therefore, WayOut still has a long way to go to continue promoting transgender rights. “It’s a hump,” says Lee. You need respect, I need it, and we are who we are. We want to be free to live our lives, be creative and fly. “
WayOut runs on The Minories, 64-73 Minories, EC3N1JL on the second and last Saturday of every month. For more information, please visit: thewayoutclub.com