A trans jewellery and silversmithing student at Birmingham City University (BCU) is preparing to add some sparkle to Birmingham Pride 2024 – but as a DJ.
Charlie Adams wants to use the city’s largest LGBTQ+ event as an opportunity to show off his new skill, which he only began learning in January, at the same as celebrating being transgender.
“I came out as trans at 17 and it’s taken me a long time to get where I am today and to feel truly comfortable in my body,” said the 25-year-old from Birmingham.
“People walk past me on the street and have no idea I am trans. You don’t have to announce it everywhere you go, but I want to use Birmingham Pride to show off what I can do and what my community can do. Pride is me coming back and saying we’re still here.
“Some of my course-mates have never been to Pride before, so I can’t wait to show it to them.”
Charlie will perform in the Dance Arena at Smithfield Live in Digbeth on Saturday, 25 May.
“I’ve been taught by one of Birmingham’s best, Just Soriah, and we’re teaming up for a back-to-back set,” said the Higher National Diploma student.
“It’s the first time a gay woman of colour and a trans man have deejayed together at Pride.
“We’re playing a mash up of old school garage, sing songs, house, and tunes you can have a boogie to. Our friends keep giving us requests and ideas. We’re trying to mix everything in.”
Charlie’s journey is being turned into a documentary that will premiere in June. It will show him learning how to DJ while he works on his final university project – a series of Birmingham-inspired rings that highlight the city’s different dialects.
“Me being transgender at university was never a big deal,” he said. “It’s all about the pieces I create. My dream is to be a jeweller – and being at BCU has given me a step into the industry.”
BCU is sponsoring a new low-income ticket scheme at Birmingham Pride, which began in 1997. It offers a 50% reduction on the full-face value price of a general admission ticket for people living in the West Midlands who receive certain allowances or benefits.
Lawrence Barton DL, Birmingham Pride’s Festival Director, said: “We are delighted that BCU is supporting our first low-income ticket scheme.
“Birmingham Pride is committed to seeing social justice become a reality in our city – and this trailblazing initiative will enable hundreds of disadvantaged people from across the region to attend our cultural festival with full inclusion and equity.”
You can catch Charlie’s set on Saturday, 25 May from 6-7pm.
