My fairyland. There were so few for me growing up. Icons laughed at, stereotypes de-sexualised, trailblazers trolled, protestors attacked. Only on TOTP did I find my tribe, my salvation, my pop fairyland. The souls like me, hiding in plain sight, served in my Essex big room, as my mum yelled at me to lay the fucking table for our tea, but Frankie said relax, and Jimmy sang of escape.

I never thought I’d make it to the age I am now. Queer shame, neurodivergent wiring, misdiagnosis, antipsychotic medication and a predisposition to dark intentions destined to finish me, I thought, I thought to finish me. But make it did – through my own fairyland. Filled with friends and colleagues, lovers and disco darlings, icons and idols.

Tim Walker’s celebration of queer fairyland at @nationalportraitgallery is the book I wish I’d had as a kid, the witness to a queer history I played the smallest of parts in as everything we did – protest, party, play became the activism that freed us.

It is an exhibition to be proud of, telling the story of an LGBTQIA+ community that made us prouder. Sexy, serious, sublime, silly and camp as fuck. Just as I always hoped it would be, just as it should always be.

Do that scared queer kid you were growing up a favour. Buy them a ticket to fairyland.

For Tim Walker and the celebration of those were so proud to know.

Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends at National Portrait Gallery, London until 7th February 2027 Tickets here