Carlos Gu is set to launch the inaugural East & Southeast Asian Pride UK in London this summer, bringing together queer East and Southeast Asian communities, artists and allies for an evening of celebration, performance and connection.
The event will take place at Electrowerkz on 24 July 2026 and is being presented by the reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion alongside queer Asian cabaret company The Bitten Peach and Kakilang ESEA Arts Non-Profit Organisation.
Created as a dedicated space to celebrate East and Southeast Asian LGBTQIA+ identities, the event will showcase artists from across the community while offering opportunities for attendees to connect through culture, entertainment and shared experiences.
Gu said: “Moving to the UK was the first time I felt like I could be my true self. The British public have accepted me for who I am and have been so supportive. Creating East and Southeast Asian Pride is my way of giving something back to this country that has given me so much.
“It is a chance for us to celebrate the queer Asian community and the incredible artists within it. I know how important it is to have role models and visibility for our community. I’m thrilled to be working with The Bitten Peach and Kakilang ESEA Arts Non-Profit Organisation to put on what is going to be an amazing event and cannot wait to showcase the brilliant talent we have lined up.”
The evening will begin with a community market fair and drinks reception featuring East and Southeast Asian charities, community groups and vendors. A main stage programme of drag, cabaret, live music, dance and burlesque will follow, before DJs take over across two rooms until 3am.
Gu is best known for his work on Strictly Come Dancing, where he became the programme’s first Asian and openly gay champion after winning alongside former Lioness Karen Carney. Born in China, he is a former Chinese National Champion and international Ballroom and Latin competitor. He joined the BBC series in 2022 and is also set to appear on Celebrity Hunted alongside Amy Dowden. The pair are currently touring the UK with their live show, Amy & Carlos: Reborn.
Founded in 2019, The Bitten Peach has established itself as one of the UK’s leading queer Asian cabaret companies. The organisation was created in response to the lack of Asian representation across cabaret and theatre and has developed productions spanning drag, burlesque, Bollywood, dance, circus and comedy.
Kakilang ESEA Arts Non-Profit Organisation supports East and Southeast Asian creatives, audiences and communities across the UK. Since 2007, the organisation has worked with major cultural institutions including the Barbican, Southbank Centre, Soho Theatre and BFI to champion East and Southeast Asian voices in the arts.
East & Southeast Asian Pride UK is open to members of the East and Southeast Asian LGBTQIA+ community, as well as friends, family members and allies.
The event runs from 7pm, with the community market fair opening on arrival, followed by the main stage show at 9pm and a club night continuing until 3am.
