Nearly one in three London drag artists report harassment and aggression from audiences
In response, Equity launched its new London Nightlife Network, in a bid to improve pay and working conditions
By Aaron Sugg
A recent Equity union survey of drag performers in London has raised serious safety concerns for those performing in the capital.
Nearly a third of respondents said they feel less safe working with audiences than they did before the pandemic, recalling increased harassment and aggression.
The Equity survey found that 28% feel scared travelling to gigs due to rising homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, racism and far-right sentiment.
29% of drag performers in London cited inappropriate touching
Meanwhile, 29% of respondents said they feel less safe interacting with audiences than before the pandemic, citing inappropriate touching, violence and aggressive behaviour.
The study even noted that one respondent suggested charging venues an additional fee if security is not provided, citing fears of being assaulted while performing.
With a reported average annual income of £12,411, 98% said their pay has not increased in line with the cost of living. Typical gig fees range from £100 to £199, leaving many performers balancing several jobs.
London Nightlife Network has been launched to protect the capitals performers
In response, Equity launched its new London Nightlife Network yesterday (31 April) in a bid to improve pay and working conditions.
Equity variety organiser Nick Keegan called the findings a “disgrace”.
“London’s nightlife culture is world-famous, but it’s being built on the backs of performers who are earning a fraction of a living wage,” they said.
“It is a disgrace that 98% of performers responding to our workforce survey say their pay is stagnating” – Equity variety organiser Nick Keegan launching London Nightlife Network
Keegan added: “It is a disgrace that 98% of performers responding to our workforce survey say their pay is stagnating while they worry about their safety. Which is why Equity members are launching the London Nightlife Network, because performers care deeply about London’s nightlife and know that by coming together they can raise the standards of the industry for all.”
Their official website states: “The union will use the results to lobby the Mayor of London’s Nightlife Taskforce and campaign more widely on the key issues impacting the nightlife workforce. “
Equity are the UK’s performing arts and entertainment trade union. Made up of 500,000 members, they campaign for better pay and working conditions across London’s scene.
The Equity Nightlife Performers Network is available to join now via their application website.