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Cardiff’s Gay History!
When talking about Cardiff’s charm, you can’t ignore the efforts of the LGBTQ+ community in forming this diverse and brilliant city. Looking to LGBTQ+ people in the past, we have gathered some of our favourite moments in this city’s long, gay history.
Ivor Novello
A composer, singer, and actor, Novello was born in Cardiff in 1893. One of the most popular British entertainers of the early 20th century, his first big hit was the song, “Keep the Fires Burning”, (1914). Known to have had many lovers, Novello was in a long-term relationship with another actor, Bobbie Andrews. Head towards Cardiff Bay to find his statue.
Ianto’s Shrine
Image: Suntooooth
Not far from the Novello statue you’ll find a shrine dedicated to one of the most popular LGBTQ+ characters, Ianto Jones. Ianto Jones was one of the Torchwood Five, in the show Torchwood, a British science fiction television programme created by Russell T Davis. A spin-off off the 2005 revival of Doctor Who. Appearing in Doctor Who as well, Ianto Jones was played by Gareth David-Lloyd, and he was in a loving relationship with Captain Jack (John Barrowman), where the two became popular gay icons. Following the path of many tragic Queer characters before them, Ianto Jones died in Season 3 Episode 4, with the shine being put up afterwards.
Sarah Jones
The first lesbian Archbishop of Wales is Rt Revd Cherry Vann, and her appointment has been much covered in the international media. However, Cardiff is very proud of its own Rev. Sarah Jones a transgender Anglican priest, who is based at St John the Baptist Church in Cardiff. She is the first person to undergo a gender change and then be ordained by the Church of England. A prominent public speaker, Rev. Sarah Jones works to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ+ community and religion.
Victoria Scone
Image: DVSROSS Photography
This drag queen and comedian from Cardiff made history in 2021 as they were the first Assigned Female at Birth Queen to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Their appearance sparked conversations around gender and drag, demonstrating how drag is an art form for everyone. After being forced to leave the competition following an injury, Victoria Scone returned to compete in ’Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs The World (Season 1)’, where they made the top- four, elevating Welsh LGBTQ+ talent.
Iris
In Greek mythology, Iris is the goddess of the rainbow. She is depicted as swift, acting and a bridge between the heavens and earth. She also lent her name to the Iris Prize – Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ short film festival who present the largest short film prize in the world. Taking in films globally, the winner receives £40,000 to make a new short film. The only time Iris has been seen in Cardiff is in this photo taken by Jon Poutney.
