Over the weekend, the story of a 14-year-old student from Dudley who was banned from performing his drag act at his school talent show has gone viral, and stirred the emotions of many across the country.
However it has now been announced that, amongst other appearances, Lewis Bailey AKA Athena Heart will be performing at Brighton Pride!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkZzxgCFJTU/?hl=en&taken-by=the.athena.heart
Lewis’s story, which gained enormous momentum on Twitter, revealed that the day before his much rehearsed performance, teachers told him that he would not be able to perform as they claimed it was illegal for young people under eighteen to imitate a drag act.
Speaking to multiple major news outlets across the country, Lewis told viewers that the decision from his school had left him “heartbroken”, with his mother adding that the school’s decision had knocked her son’s confidence.
Lewis’s performance was set to be in the style of his hero Ru Paul, of the international phenomenon ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, a show following drag race competitions on Netflix.
However, despite the outrage online regarding Lewis being unable to perform, his story has undoubtedly had a positive outcome, with support for Athena Heart pouring out. UK online beauty outlet, Beauty Bay, voiced their shock at Lewis’s treatment, and pledged to send him over some make up goodies to help him perfect Athena Heart’s look.
https://twitter.com/beautybay/status/1021408991900061701
Lewis’s story has also resulted in Athena Heart being invited to perform all over the country, including a spot at the UK’s largest Pride celebration: Brighton and Hove Pride. According to their website, Lewis and his mother will be taking part in this years ‘Colour My World’ themed Pride Community Parade, before Athena will take the stage with Drag Queen Martha d’Arthur at the Preston Park festival, headlined by Britney Spears.
Lewis has taken to Twitter since his story went viral, to give his thanks for the support he has received so far.
I can't believe how much support you guys are giving me, especially from all parts of the world! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart ❤️
Love you all!
— Athena Heart (@TheAthenaHeart) July 27, 2018
Featured image via Pheeno.com
