Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John—once known as Queenie on the LGBTQI2 scene was once named one of Britain's Gay Icons. They was the co-author and editor of the first two books to document African and Asian Lesbians in Britain, and was the Artistic director of London Mardi Gras Arts Festival, and was one of the promoters of the National Lesbian Beauty contest screened on Channel Four, and of the national Drag King and Queen show. In 2003 they retired from the queer scene, was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Community in India 2005. 

They are now the author of 9 books, her most recent I am Still Your Negro An Homage to James Baldwin was voted as one of the best poetry books published in Canada 2020. They works as a public speaker and is one of the leading African descent voices in the field of Mindfulness for addiction. They are also a founding facilitator of Compassionate Inquiry and has a private practice. Valerie wrote the box office sell-out cult play, Sin Dykes, and has been touring their one woman show, Brown Girl In The Ring, internationally for the past ten years. The show is adapted to current issues and politics, while keeping to the story that she is related to the Queen of England. They recently co-produced blackhalifax.com—12 short poetic dramas documenting the African-descent history of Halifax, Nova Scotia dating back to the 1600’s.