Sara Jane Perovic talks to actor, drag artist and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mark Wood, who shares how proud he feels to come home after 40 years and perform at Ilkley’s first-ever gay PRIDE

IT is a story of serendipity for Mark Wood, 57, who will open Ilkley’s first-ever gay PRIDE on Saturday, July 2.

He will appear at the momentous occasion under stage name, Bosom Buddies, alongside singing partner, Stuart Lumb.

In 2013 their dynamic duo was catapulted to fame when they won a place in the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.

Mark said: “I love coming back to Ilkley and not having to hide the fact I am gay. Here I am – a drag queen.”

Mark’s stage debut was as an 18-year-old dancer for Ilkley Operatic Society in their 1980’s production of the musical Kismet – ironically a Turkish word meaning fate.

It was Mark’s fiancée who first introduced him to the amateur group who next year will commemorate 100 years since their first production, Babes in the Wood.

He has many happy musical memories of performing at King’s Hall and 40 years later he finds himself returning to the same venue to perform for PRIDE under very different circumstances.

King’s Hall also played host to Mark’s engagement party when, as a troubled teenager struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, he was set to marry his childhood sweetheart.

The now award-winning performer was hiding from everyone what for him was a huge secret full of shame and stigma.

Mark said: “I loved my fiancée very much, but I knew I was gay. It wasn’t fair for me to continue the relationship to hide my homosexuality. I knew what was happening was wrong.”

“I hope Ilkley Pride will be a celebration of how things have changed. I want the people of Ilkley to understand that there are people in their community who feel forced to hide their sexuality.”

Ilkley PRIDE’s organiser, David Shaw MBE, 58, shares similar experiences with Mark and was married for 30 years.

David said: “It hasn’t been easy, but I am extremely proud of who I am and being gay.”

Ilkley’s MP Robbie Moore said: “Ilkley having its own PRIDE is the first stage in sending a message to everyone in the wider community.”

David added: “A Pride is a chance to celebrate who you are and understanding together.

“It doesn’t mean you are gay because you attend. It just means you are comfortable with yourself. It’s not a political protest. It’s about remembering it was illegal to be gay.”

Next week we look at why coming out as gay in 1980s Ilkley was so terrifying.