Burnley Drag Race UK star Elektra Fence in Parliament to discuss cerebral palsy

Burnley’s Elektra Fence, real name Julian Riley, grew up with disabled parents.

Ann and Ian Riley both have cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and coordination.

Elektra was invited to parliament to speak to the government and inform them about what needs to be done to improve the quality of life for families like hers.

Elektra, who appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2021, said: “I was invited into parliament to speak to the All-Party Parliament Groups (APPG) to talk about cerebral palsy and what the government need to do to help people with the condition.

“It was also to educate people as well as I feel like people with cerebral palsy sometimes do get left behind.

“It was so interesting to talk to politicians and baronesses about it, it was an amazing opportunity.”

Elektra Fence (Image: Elektra Fence)

Elektra discussed issues around accessibility and is set to return to parliament for further discussions later this year.  

She said: “I also asked why more people haven’t been trained in Neurophysiotherapy for people with cerebral palsy, a specialist branch of physiotherapy dedicated to improving the function of patients who have suffered physical impairment caused by neurological conditions, and why it is so hard for some people to get an appointment.”

Elektra said another reason why she went to parliament is to educate people about the condition.

“People need educating,” she said, “my dream is to stop people with the condition being spoken down to.

“Just because someone has cerebral palsy doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent. They are just trapped in a body.

“We should treat everyone normally or with love and kindness.”

Elektra said her childhood was not like her peers and she had to do more around the house.

She said: “Growing up I realised that my schoolmates didn’t have to do the things I had to do.

“I had to help my parents more and do more cleaning around the house.

“For instance, I had to help my mum fasten her bra or button her top up.

“However, I wouldn’t change it for the world as it has made me the person I am today.

“My parents are the strongest people I know. My mum is sassy, strong, never say ‘no’ and that’s where I get it from.”

Elektra has high praise for disabled charity Scope who took Elektra and her siblings on days out to funfairs and theme parks and also educated them about their parents’ disability.

She said: “I want to thank them by being an ambassador for them and help them raise awareness. My parents were part of the charity since day one.

“I am hosting this week award ceremony next week and I am honoured to do that.”

Elektra says her parents are her “biggest supporters” and have championed her throughout her drag career.

Elektra Fence (Image: Elektra Fence)

Elektra said: “My mum is known by my fans as ‘Mumma Fence’ and they all love her.

“My mum was told at birth she would never be anything and that her parents should lock her up and throw away the key.

“But she’s given birth to three amazing boys and she always dreamed that I will be on the stage and achieve my dreams.

“I want to thank my parents for giving me my amazing outlook on life. Never let anyone say you can’t achieve something.”

Elektra, who has more than 54,000 followers on Instagram, will be using her social media platforms to raise awareness of the condition.

She said: “Yes, I am a beautiful drag queen, but I am not just there to look good on social media.

“I have been given a platform so I will use it for good, something you stand up for and the right thing.”