Renowned actor Alan Cumming has voiced profound alarm about the aggressive immigration enforcement operations occurring just streets away from his New York home, while simultaneously preparing for a significant LGBTQ+ festival in his native Scotland.
A Chilling Reality in New York
Speaking to Metro by phone, the 60-year-old, who has been a US citizen since 2008 and a resident for over 25 years, described a stark contrast in his daily life. 'I am very lucky that I have another life and another existence in Scotland,' Cumming reflected, noting the surreal normalcy of his New York surroundings while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids less than a mile away in Chinatown.
He did not mince words about the operations, labelling them 'terrifying' and 'f**king ridiculous'. Cumming expressed deep concern for the community's fear, stating, 'People are afraid to speak out, and people are afraid of losing their jobs and people are afraid of being deported. It’s awful.'
These raids are part of a wider, contentious immigration strategy that has sparked nationwide protests. Since January, it is estimated that over 200,000 people have been arrested and deported. The policy's implementation has been widely criticised as 'ruthless' and 'inhumane', with reports of several American citizens being mistakenly detained.
A 'Weekend of Queer Joy' in Pitlochry
Against this backdrop of tension in the US, Cumming is channelling his energy into creating a positive space in Scotland. As the artistic director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, he is organising 'Out in the Hills', an LGBTQ+ theatre festival he promises will be a 'weekend of queer joy'.
The event, scheduled for January 16 to 18, has already attracted major figures like Sir Ian McKellen and Graham Norton. Cumming revealed that securing their participation was straightforward. 'It was easy. They are friends of mine,' he said, adding that the supportive response is also a reaction to current times. 'At a time when queer and trans people are being so attacked, I think they saw that it was a really good time to celebrate people and make a stance.'
The festival will feature productions, discussions, and readings, including a brand new stage play, 'Me and the Girls', an Neil Bartlett adaptation of a Noel Coward short story, in which Cumming will perform.
Career Highlights and Future Plans
Amidst his advocacy and festival planning, Cumming continues his television work. The next series of 'The Traitors US', which he presents, is set to land on Peacock on January 8. He also shared his thoughts on the UK's Celebrity Traitors, praising its dynamic and the advantage contestants have when they already know each other's characters.
Looking ahead, the actor intends to maintain his busy schedule but with more deliberate breaks. 'I would still like to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m excited and energised by the work I’m doing, I just need to have more gaps between it,' he explained, naming this as his New Year's resolution alongside the ambitious goal of learning to play the bagpipes.
Through his work and his words, Alan Cumming continues to navigate his dual existence, using his platform to highlight social injustices while creating celebratory spaces for marginalised communities.
