Lead Pic: copyright Billie Charity
On an Eardisley farm, in conservative, rural Herefordshire, lives Dean Goodwin-Evans aka Boo La Croux: farmer, organiser of Hereford Pride, professional hairdresser, son of an Aston Villa footballer, husband of Paul, lover of horses and Miss Drag UK 2021.
Queen from No Scene is a new book exploring Dean’s day-to-day life as the UK’s only known drag farmer through images by award-winning photographer Billie Charity.
Showing Dean in the various stages of transition into Boo la Croux, these images demonstrate Dean’s dedication to his art as well as the great effort that goes into becoming Boo whilst also being a full-time farm owner. Taken over the course of a year, Billie has captured many of the events that Boo has attended including Christmas parties, Hay Pride, club nights and even Hay Festival 2023.
A popular figure within the LGBTQ+ community, Boo la Croux has over 10,000 followers on Instagram and has been featured in national media and most recently on Channel 5’s Springtime on the Farm TV show.
Dean Goodwin-Evans says: “Doing this project with Billie has been so exciting, rewarding and in some ways vulnerable, hopefully showing others it’s OK to be who you want to be in a rural community.”
Billie Charity adds: “Watching Dean become Boo is such a privilege. The transformation is incredible, knowing that all his outfits are hand-made by him, his beauty jarring against the agricultural backdrop. His eyes are different colours: green for Dean, blue for Boo.
“His hair is immaculate in every incarnation, his professional hairdressing skills on clear display.”
The book, which is published by Graffeg Publishing on 24 May, will be launched at this year’s Hay Festival with an event with Dean and Billie discussing the book.
Pre-order a copy HERE
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