It’s no secret that not all club nights are welcoming to everyone. so, maverick organisers are hitting back with niche events catering to intersectional communities, reclaiming the scene. Here’s our round up of the best club events for the queer and ethnic community.
LGBTQ+ and Ethnic communities struggle to find places where they feel welcome and can party and drink without the stress of being othered because of who they are and how they present.
It is rare to find spaces that are controlled and populated by members of the community, when u live within a homophobic, transphobic and racist society (no matter how hidden). Members of the community continuously find themselves casted out from mainstream society and are forced to hide themselves for the sake of their own safety.
Even the clubs that solely exist for the queer communities are either infiltrated by opportunists or demonised by white cis-hetro men, or they exist for the white male gay audience. When your existence is debated and not seen as appropriate dinner talk – by a major proportion of society, there is seldom somewhere to party and for total release.
So, to piss them off and provoke them more so than before, here is a list of the top five LGBTQBIPOC-friendly clubs that have not been infiltrated by white cis-hetero males and are dominated by the queer trans lesbian ethnic members of the community. Here is to having what is seen as taboo fun.
HUNGAMA
This East-London based queer alternative night is putting the south Asian queer scene on the map, mixing Bollywood and clubbing culture into a euphoric blend. A vital pillar in South Asian queer representation in the music scene since 2017, the energy is mad and feels like a home away from home, a perfect place for community and a perfect alternative to the overly white atmosphere that is the mainstream queer club scene. An ultimate celebration of queerness, party and creativity, the venue is always changing so make sure to check out their Instagram for future events.
Gal Pals
Celebrating all things femme, trans and non-binary, Gal Pals nights are held in venues in London and Brighton and is strict about playing music by women, non-binary and trans musicians such as Arca, Kim Petras and Slayyter. what you have is a comfortable and fun experience where you can dance like nobody is watching and enjoy euphoric hedonism without the fear of being preyed on. According to fan Jaqueline Da-Silva, “I don’t feel judged how I present. You would always have at least one person flirting with you which is hilarious.”
JUICE LONDON
Juice London is the black LGBTQ+ party you will want to be at. It’s black-owned and features amazing DJs and music. A spectacular place to find yourself on a night in soho, the organisers run events and parties all year round and continuously uplift and support members of the Black LGBTQ+ communities. This is done most creatively by hosting LGBTBIPOC history events where you can party while learning a thing or two from prominent voices in the community.
LICK
Lick, an event formerly held once a month, is now a fully established venue located under the Vauxhall arches. This is not a place for cisgendered men – they are not allowed to enter. This is an exclusive, safe space reserved for any femmes and non-binary persons, who are finally offered the space to whine up on each other without fear of harassment and bigotry.
PXSSY PALACE
PXSSY PALACE is unapologetic. Screaming queer, with its inclusive club-night themes and all-round vibes, it is the place to be… if you can get tickets. It is always sold out since everyone rushes to attend its events, but for good reason. A haven for all women and femmes of colour to feel liberated and express themselves and their desires to musical backdrop of pure hits, a night at PXSSY PALACE promises to serve as a celebration of all things femme, trans, non-binary, queer and ethnic. Controversially but laughably in our favour, tickets are priced at £20 for LGBTQBIPOC persons, and £112.20 for straight cis-gendered men. Iconic.