QUEENS wiped tears from thick, feathered eyelashes as the community said a glamorous goodbye to Newcastle drag icon and showgirl Glenda Jackson. Login or signup to continue reading The 'boy from Carro' who became a glittering icon and captivating showgirl passed away after a battle with cancer in May. Sequins, feathers and glitter adorned the more than 300 people who turned up to honour Carrington's true diva of the drag scene, Glendon George Oliver, at a celebration of life on Sunday afternoon.
Long-term friend Ian Tufrey said Glenda would have been "really, really chuffed" to see the turnout. "To see so many people who have put so much effort into it, getting dressed up in feathers, sequins, wigs, stilettos and a bit of bling on pretty much everyone here, it reminds us of the glitter and glamour that she brought to all of our lives," he said. "So many people are shocked that she's gone and that she passed because she was such a fixture of the whole community.
"Let's face it, she's been entertaining people in Newcastle and beyond for well over 50 years, and she's helped so many young people, whether it be taking up drag or even feeling comfortable about being gay in times that were not great for gay people." Glen grew up in Carrington and left school at 15 for his first job at the Goodways Supermarket Chain. Before long he was exposed to dressing as a woman, taking the stage for his first public performance at the Merewether Leagues Club where he adopted the stage name Glend.
