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A Leighton Buzzard wildlife artist hopes Pride month will be a roaring success as he celebrates with fancy dress and a special collaboration.
The former theatre make-up artist has also teamed up with star of West End musical Cabaret, Mason Alexander Park, to create a flower design for the actor’s own show, The Pansy Craze.
Reflecting on LB Pride, Chad said: “What a wonderful thing that our small town of Leighton Buzzard is able to put on a Pride festival. There was such a good atmosphere and it was great to see people enjoying themselves, and to see all the different genders walking down the street holding hands.
“As a member of the LGBT community myself, it made me feel proud to live in Leighton Buzzard and be part of the community here.”
Meanwhile, to celebrate Pride, Chad is currently working on a Pansy design for American actor, Mason.
The flower will be in the colours of the non-binary LGBT flag – yellow, white, purple, and black – symbolising gender identity that is neither exclusively male nor female.
Chad said: “Mason is a non-binary actor from the states and we wanted to create something that highlights awareness of non-binary LGBT issues.
“The pansy is important to Mason, as is the show they put on, which is a celebration of queer culture through music.
“‘Pansy’ was once used as a derogatory term for members of the LBGT community, but it’s since been taken back as an empowering word.”
During what’s been a busy year, Chad is also proud to have collaborated with climate activist Mya-Rose Craig, and has produced a special hummingbird design – a nod to her favourite animal.
Five per cent of profits from its merchandise will go towards her charity Black2Nature, which helps to connect BAME children from city communities to the countryside and wildlife. Meanwhile, Chad is also choosing a charity to support with his pansy design.
The artist’s beautiful wildlife pictures appear on clothing, mugs, and jigsaws, as well as prints, and residents can visit Chad’s website or pop to his next stall at Linslade Canal Festival on July 27.
