“And the Russians are not helpful, to put it mildly, on LGBTQ rights,” says Pierce with relish. That year, you see, Her Majesty’s birthday celebration coincided with the city hosting WorldPride, and the spicier than usual event was made “even more delicious” when a downpour forced partygoers – and performers – inside to the Sputnik Lounge, a Russian-sponsored part of the UN foyer. “But the standout,” recalls Pierce proudly, “was the Brazilian drag queen.” In the garden of the UN headquarters in Manhattan’s Midtown East, a trestle table heaved under 500 cupcakes arranged in the shape of the Union Jack, while military attachés mingled with senior officials over drinks and music.
It was a summer’s afternoon in New York, and Karen Pierce, then Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, was hosting a party to mark the Queen’s official birthday.
