Cambridge's "only Black drag performer", Guillotina, launches Cambridge Is Chopped as a response to isolation, racism and lack of solidarity
Cambridge Is Chopped, a grassroots movement born out of frustration and resilience, has been created by Guillotina, the city’s "only Black drag performer", as a response to the isolation, racism and lack of solidarity experienced by QIPOC - Queer and Indigenous People of Colour - in Cambridge. The name itself, borrowed from ballroom culture, is a sharp critique: “chopped” means something ugly or poor quality, and for Guillotina, that sums up the current state of inclusion in the city.
The movement emerged after an incident on 22 November 2025, when Guillotina was subjected to a racial hate crime in a Cambridge McDonald’s. A student used the N-word, and when Guillotina sought help, the initial response from the police was dismissive, claiming the slur did not constitute a crime. Frustrated, Guillotina turned to social media, posting a series of Instagram reels that quickly went viral.
The first reel shared the incident, sparking outrage and solidarity. The second documented the police’s reaction, which drew even more attention and coverage from national outlets. A third reel announced that an investigation had finally been opened, lasting a week and identifying a suspect.
You can describe my drag as… unique. I don’t really fit into being a drag queen, or a drag king, or even a drag “thing.” But that’s probably because of how whitewashed the drag landscape is here.
But the experience revealed a deeper problem. Guillotina continued to face racism in Cambridge and heard from hundreds of others with similar stories. It became clear that legal processes alone would not bring meaningful change. Instead of pursuing the complaint further, Guillotina channelled the energy into activism, launching Cambridge Is Chopped as a rallying point for QIPOC and allies to speak out, stand together and demand better.
The mission is simple yet urgent: amplify marginalised voices, hold institutions accountable and create spaces where QIPOC can feel safe and celebrated.
Guillotina said: "I'mm that person who got called the N-Word in a McDonalds by a bunch of Cambridge students, and whose first response was to post a reel about it.
"I’ve performed pretty much everywhere across town: Cambridge Junction, the Blue Moon, The Lock-On, even Cambridge May Balls (which, after this, will probably never happen again).
I thought Cambridge would be a fresh start - a place where I could be understood by people who’d been through similar things.
"You can describe my drag as… unique. I don’t really fit into being a drag queen, or a drag king, or even a drag “thing.” But that’s probably because of how whitewashed the drag landscape is here.
"I’m not a student; I’m not even a theatre kid. I’m just some 24-year-old who works a 9–5.
"I moved to Cambridge because of work. I used to live in London until I was 22. I have no contact with any family, they disowned me for being queer.
"So I thought Cambridge would be a fresh start - a place where I could be understood by people who’d been through similar things.
"That obviously wasn't the case, since I started this movement."
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