Queer and Trans icons - from Mack Sproates

Hello and Happy Pride Month!! My name is Mack and I am a queer theatre maker, artist, music journalist and facilitator from Newcastle. I make silly, chaotic queer cabarets at Alphabetti theatre, as well as lot’s of art and zines that aim to spread hope, joy and good vibes for the queer and trans community. I also work with the most excellent Mortal Fools, who have invited me to write a blog post all about Pride Month, yaaaaas!
 
Specifically, they have asked for my list of inspirational queer and trans icons and role models - to which there are LOADS! Here are just a few folks who are doing fantastic work for the community…

Mack Facilitating a Mortal Fools session at Highfield Middle School

Mack & Mama Rhi promoting their Cabaret Show at Alphabetti Theatre

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​Lewis Hancox

Lewis is a comic book artist, writer and content creator. I first came across his work when I watched some of his hilarious comedy videos featuring characters like British Mum, which made me laugh my head off! Lewis has created some really helpful, accessible and informative work exploring his trans experience, on YouTube, and more recently through his comic books.

​His first book, ‘Welcome To St Hell’, is a trans teen memoir which beautifully captures just one person’s experience of growing up questioning their gender - the art work is also super fun!

https://www.instagram.com/lewishancoxfilms/?hl=en 

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Patty Boo Rae

The rootinest tootinest Cowgirl east of the Atlantic, Patty Boo Rae is a drag performer from Texas who recently performed in Newcastle. She dazzles audiences with her gorgeous vocals, sharp comedy and warm personality. Any Patty Boo show is a guaranteed delight, bringing with it lots of queer joy and laughs.

​She has recently been working on her new podcast in collaboration with Curious Arts named ‘Chatti Patti’ which sees her interviewing lots of fantastic and interesting guests in the queer arts community. 

https://www.pattibooproductions.com/

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Miles Mckenna

Oh Miles. Bursting with inspiration and joy, Miles is an actor, writer, LGBQTIA+ advocate and content creator. He has documented his trans experience online, and has always managed to share his wisdom through ways which are funny, truthful and authentically them.

​His first book ‘OUT!: How to be your authentic self’ is super fun and informative and has a lot of lovely advice for young queer people. He also recently starred in The Goosebumps TV show - further proving just how important it is to have trans and queer representation on TV (especially in roles where being trans isn’t always central to their narrative). They have also recently written their first children’s book called ‘I am Not a Vampire!’. 

https://www.instagram.com/themilesmckenna/?hl=en​

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Emory Southwick

​Emory is an artist, model and facilitator based in Durham. They make bold, colourful, bright and beautiful art that centres on trans and queer experiences. Emory’s art is just so special; it radiates with joy, expression and is so unapologetically authentic.

​Emory is also the director of The Marra Project, a community arts project and hub for Durham’s queer creative community. They have recently released their first book: ‘Pride of Place: Queer Spaces of County Durham’, which features lot’s of gorgeous art and poetry by local queer people. 

https://www.instagram.com/emoryartmodel/

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Noah Finnce

​Pop punk king Noah Finnce is a musician and content creator, who has recently released his first album ‘Growing Up on The Internet’. In the album Noah explores his relationship to the internet, as well as his queer identity and personal experiences. He is full of wit, charm, chaos and humour and his songs are absolutely mint.

​It’s been so cool to see Noah’s journey from starting off making little covers of his favourite band’s songs on YouTube, to now becoming a professional recording artist who tours around the globe. My favourite song of his is WORMS… check it out!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6y7T3BaNMGAYgRbATEq4cM

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Book Wyrm​

​Book Wyrm are a fantastic queer indie book shop who specialise in selling LGBTQIA+ books, novels, zines and more in the heart of Durham. There are hardly any queer focused shops in the North East, and Book Wyrm are leading the way in championing the voices of LGBTQIA+ authors, as well as hosting many fun community events where you can get creative, read together and make new friends.

​They most recently hosted the Trans Day of Visibility market event in Newcastle which was so much fun and a much needed time to come together to celebrate trans artists.

​Miles Nelson, one half of the duo, is a brilliant author who writes sci-fi, fantasy, and horror novels which sometimes explore the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and often feature young adult characters. He also creates adorable tiny clay animal characters in Pride colours… what a win!

https://www.instagram.com/bookwyrmdurham/
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Lux Pascal​

Lux is an actress and model from Chile. She is known for her stunning personality and style, and the wonderful confidence she carries on the red carpet; she is just so authentically herself. She is starring in the upcoming movie Miss Carbón, which sees her playing the role of a trans woman named Carla Antonella Rodríguez, the first female miner in her region of Argentina who continued to defy expectations despite the discrimination she faced, which is an incredible feat for trans representation in the media.

​Lux also happens to be the sister of the one and only Pedro Pascal. I think what is so special about these two siblings is their unfaltering support and love for each other. Through Pedro, it is just so special and important to see a trans ally who is so outspoken about his support for the community, and choosing to use his platform to spread love instead of hate. 

https://www.instagram.com/luxpascal_/?hl=en
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Amy Langdown​

​Amy is a queer, neurodivergent and disabled poet, producer, facilitator and artist based in Newcastle. Amy is a shining star, brimming with joy, passion and activism - they are always championing and uplifting marginalised voices through their incredible poetry and art work.

Amy recently co-created a zine with Pride Action North that features the voices of LGBTQIA+ young people called Stories of Strength - it is so important that people listen to the voices and experiences of young queer people and zines are a great way of making your voice heard. 

​​Amy is also the host of Out Of Your Head, which features a fantastic variety of poets and spoken word artists. As a part of Newcastle Pride 2025, Amy will be producing a special Pride Edition of Out Of Your Head, which will be guaranteed to be a night of LGBTQIA+ joy, celebration and defiance - why don’t you check it out? 

https://www.instagram.com/amylangdown_/?hl=en
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​Thank you so much for reading my blog! These folks are just a snapshot into the brilliant queer and trans community, and I’d encourage you to go seek out their work as well as discovering your own LGBTQIA+ icons.
 
As much as this is a wonderful time to celebrate the queer community, it’s important to acknowledge that it has recently been an incredibly challenging and difficult time for many members of our community, especially the trans community. It’s more important now than ever to stand up for marginalised people and be a supportive, active ally to all of those who need it. And if you are a young queer person who is struggling, please reach out to support services or trusted grown ups or friends if you need support. It is so important that we take care and look out for each other, and always spread kindness, hope and joy. You can be, and are, an absolute icon yourself :)
 
-Mack Sproates. 

There are loads of wonderful welcoming LGBTQIA+ organisations in the region. Check out Pride Action North, Curious Arts, Be: Trans, Sister Shack CIC and Northern Pride for local LGBTQIA+ groups, activities and events. 

Mortal Fools has also have put together a wellbeing resource to signpost to a wide variety of wellbeing and mental health support organisations, friends of Mortal Fools, inspirational influencers, courageous activists, and colourful content creators. 

Click here for the MOrtal Fools wellbeing resource