Enfield Care Home celebrates Pride with dance and love

Local drag artist Sissy Lea helped the elderly at Elsyng House Care Home celebrate in style

It was all pink sequins and prosecco for residents at an Enfield care home as they celebrated Pride with a visit from local drag queen Sissy Lea.

The garden courtyard at Elsyng House in Forty Hill became a dance floor as Sissy took residents through crowd pleasers from artists such as Abba, John Denver and Neil Diamond and got them on their feet, singing and showing off her moves along with the family. friends and staff.

Elsyng House provides residential, nursing, memory and respite care to its 76 residents. Sissy Lea, who hails from Sicily but made her name in Enfield, is a former star of Drag Race Italia and regularly visits the house where she became a favorite among the residents. She celebrated Pride in a shocking pink lace dress with balloon sleeves and matching pink hair.

Giovanna Scozzari, 87, is from the same Sicilian village as Sissy and the pair love to chat and share memories of their hometown. “‘Sissy is brilliant!’ she said. “I love it when it comes. She’s glamorous and a wonderful singer, but it’s also nice to be able to speak Italian together. I look forward to seeing her back here soon.”

Resident Angela Wass, 75, agreed. “I had a great time,” she said. “Sissy looked fabulous!”

The brainchild of care worker Massimo Malluzzo, Sissy was initially nervous about performing in front of an elderly audience, but said the community at Elsyng House embraced her.

“Up until about two years ago, I had never performed in front of that generation,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what they would make of a drag queen, but they love it! We have so much fun together, singing and dancing, and I’m delighted that they welcome me and enjoy what I do.”

The house was decorated with rainbow flags and the residents wore fascinators and sunglasses in the colors of Pride. Head of Hospitality Stephen Eshmade said it was more than just a party. “Our celebration was a beautiful reminder of the importance of diversity, inclusion and love in all its forms,” ​​he said.

“From rainbow decorations to heartfelt conversations, our Pride event was a true testament to our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive community for everyone.”

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