Pride Month 2023 will be celebrated on train routes between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington in June as drag queen royalty reinforce the capital’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Heathrow Express have joined forces with RuPaul’s Drag Race Stars Kitty Scott-Claus and Electra Fence to confirm its commitment to promoting equality and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Kitty, Elektra, and other dazzling, drag queen royalty – Olivia Laugh Love, Taylor Trash, Coco CoutureQueen, and Samantha Stone – have filmed a spoof ‘London Pride Ride’ gameshow-style race, hosted by the founder of website Hunsnet Gareth Howells.
The two teams competed to race between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington in the fastest time and stars of the video will take part in Heathrow Express’ float at London Pride this year.
A new Heathrow Express carriage emblazoned with the rainbow flag will also be unveiled later this month and visitors to London can get 15% off full-fare tickets until 1 July using the discount code Pride23.
Daniel Edwards, Business Lead at Heathrow Express said: “We are excited to showcase the diversity and inclusivity that we believe defines Heathrow Express. It’s been brilliant to welcome drag queen royalty like Kitty and Elektra on board as they add their unique flair and vibrant energy to our Pride preparations.”
This campaign is helping to shine a light on Heathrow Express’ ongoing commitment to diversity and equality.
Internal initiatives including a LGBTQ+ network group, which won awards at the 2020 British LGBT Awards, is one example of how change is being driven across the business.
Heathrow Express have also implemented several other initiatives, focusing on disability awareness, gender equality, race, and support for parents and carers. This commitment ensures that every voice is heard and represented.
Edwards added: “As the fastest route from Heathrow Airport to central London, visitors from across the world will travel on the Heathrow Express to Pride in London this year.
“Our aim is to always ensure that passengers feel welcomed and embraced throughout their journey with us.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race Stars Scott-Claus and Fence are marking Pride Month 2023 by stepping into London from the Heathrow Express, which will transport more than 500,000 passengers between Heathrow airport and the capital from 1 June to London Pride on 1 July.
Former celebrity MasterChef contestant Scott-Claus said: “I’ve been going to Pride since I moved to London. I was in my first year of drama school, my friends and I were out in Soho wondering why it was so busy, and we soon discovered it was Pride weekend! We had the best time. Seeing everyone in such high spirits and sharing the love was such a memorable highlight.
“My most memorable experience was probably first getting to be in the parade in 2016, which is still my favourite part, seeing all the love and support from all aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond!”
Fence added: “I went to my first Pride when I was 18. It is where I met my best friend, and I was on a float in the parade as part of a bar I worked at. I had the best day! Pride is non-stop and the happiness and energy from everyone is so infectious. There are so many different parties and events going on. It is such a good celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Pride is also full of drag performance and the wide spectrum of it. It is seeing everybody celebrating themselves in the parade that is so inspirational. Drag has always been around me: I used to watch Lily Savage with my parents growing up and was always encouraged to celebrate myself.”
