Josh is a performance-based artist working within a variety of disciplines, focused on bringing community activism with colourful accessibility. Drawing inspiration from working class culture The Fabulous Josh explores LGBTQ+ identity through pop culture, using their own autobiography as the practice helping manoeuvre important and poignant questions about what it means to be an 'artist' and 'activist'.

From nightclubs and galleries to community centres and theatres Josh eagerly lisps about all things queer, class and local – showing up and showing off.

As an award winning community activist Josh’s work within this sector directly feeds into the art created, trying to find meaningful ways to bridge gaps with communities but also to find a place where 'community art' has value and integrity, they do this through their company Downtown exploring the Portsmouth landscape to create bridges and physical spaces in the heart of Portsmouth, starting conversations on identity, placement and belonging, whether that’s through garden parties, workshops or classic cabaret performances.

Alex (she/they) is an artist, performer and producer. She joined Downtown Pompey as Assistant Producer in January 2023. She began performing as a drag queen in 2016 and was a co-producer of Female Trouble, a femme queen drag show, that ran in Brighton for two years. She has performed on many a stage around the south coast and London. She grew up in Pompey until she was 13.

Previously a corporate and community fundraiser, activist and volunteer organiser, this job brings together all the work she has done over the years.

Her main interest is in community building between groups who may not yet understand each other and the telling of Pompey’s unheard stories. Particular from LGBTQIA+ community elders: how we learn eldership through training in storytelling, and listening to and applying the wisdom of stories to our daily lives.

Hey there! I'm Mariam, but you can call me Mazzy Dee or Auntie Maz. I'm all about creating
safe and inclusive spaces for everyone - it's a never-ending journey, but that's what makes it all worthwhile. As an Access and Equity Officer, I work with an amazing team to make Downtown Pompey more accessible for everyone. We firmly believe that accessibility is a right, not a privilege, and we're passionate about breaking down any barriers that stand in the way.

I'm also an intersectional activist educator dedicated to fighting for a fairer, more just society.

Whether it's through education, activism, or the arts, I'm always looking for ways to make a positive impact. Together with my team, we're working towards a more inclusive, just, and beautiful Portsmouth.

Hi I'm Courtnee. I'm passionate, loud, and friendly! I'm here because I love the work downtown produce and I wanted to get as involved as possible to help them keep doing it.

I started working on projects with Downtown back in 2020 creating pieces for zines, podcasts and performing poetry. I joined the advisory board in 2022 because I'm passionate about using art to create new things collaboratively within our community, telling unheard stories and uplifting marginalised voices. I've spent the last few years volunteering with various local groups including working within community teams, being LGBTQ youth work, liason officer for large scale events, collaborative speechwriting and more. I'm excited to combine my past experience with the new ventures Downtown is taking on.

I spend the rest of my time running an animal care business, writing poetry, gaming, reading and spending time with my family. You'll often hear me before you see me (especially if I'm laughing) so make sure to say hi!

Tracie Breach she/her. I am one of the directors of Downton Pompey, and my main
responsibility is to keep track of Josh's spending (not an easy job I can assure you!).
I have been involved from the very beginning of DTP's journey and am incredibly proud of the
amazing work that it has done so far within the LGBTQ+ community within Portsmouth.

I am one of the directors of Downtown Pompey. As an experienced Project and Staff Manager for schools and capitals, my main responsibilities are health and safety, stage management (the boring stuff but important), set building, and soon will be venturing into Production Management (adding another string to my bow!).

From the inception of Downtown Pompey, when we did Hey Babe Cafe! in our garden, I was there making breakfasts and topping up cups of tea.

You may not see much of me as I may be backstage, but am part of and passionate about Portsmouth using the LGBTQ+ umbrella as the forefront of all the work we do. I thought I cannot miss the opportunity be involved in such a great organisation.

Lucy is 45, a mum of two and recently graduated with a first degree and honours in Education Studies and Inclusion.

Lucy has worked extensively with LGBTQIA+ youth, as a youth worker, 1:1 caseworker, creative workshop facilitator and most recently for the UN creating online learning modules to support LGBTQIA+ young people and Young Key Populations in creating their own activist communities online in the Asia Pacific region.

Lucy is a Learning and Development Advisor for a major UK charity and recently redeveloped their awareness course 'Cultural Awareness and Inclusion'.

As a committed intersectional feminist, Lucy seeks to nurture connection and inclusion across all communities. She believes the sharing of lived experience is vital to creating change, with that in mind she is studying for her Masters in Creative Writing and develop a practice in storytelling as social activism and is Project Lead on 'A Queer Map of Pompey'.

Jake has worked with young people for the last 15 years in both education and youth work settings.

He is the Head of Youth & Families Services at the trans-led charity Gendered Intelligence, as well as one of the designated safeguarding leads. He manages a team of 15 youth and community workers and co-leads camps in the summer for trans young people.

Outside of his GI work, Jake is a foster carer and previously ran the 4u LGBTQ youth group at Portsmouth city council.

Meet Dana Jerling, a driven and compassionate individual who believes in creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to be heard. As an advocate for intersectionality, Dana is dedicated to supporting charities with fundraising and guidance, ensuring organisations can thrive and continue to support and represent communities in Portsmouth and beyond.

In addition to her work, Dana has a passion for travel and food. As a trained chef, she can often be found in her kitchen, experimenting with new ingredients and flavours to develop her culinary storytelling skills. Her love for travel has taken her to destinations all over the world, where she has had the opportunity to explore local cuisines and cultures.

Through her work and travels, Dana has gained a unique perspective on the role of food and community in creating meaningful change. She sees food as a powerful tool for connection and collaboration, and is committed to using her culinary skills to create positive change in the world.
Overall, Dana is a dynamic and compassionate individual who is dedicated to making a difference in the world. With a passion for intersectionality, travel, and food, she is constantly exploring new ways to create opportunities for under-represented communities and bring people together through the power of food and community.