From sex-positive raves to making new mates, these are our spotlight events this month
BY SCARLETT COUGHLAN , IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
The overcast skies of September signal that summer is coming to a close. Soon, leisurely picnics in the park and not-so-leisurely day sessions at festivals will all be a distant memory. But, thankfully, autumn beholds a tasty lineup of queer events to fight off the back-to-work blues. Read on for our selection of the best events for queer women and non-binary people this month.
Riot Party: London Sex Worker Pride Special – London
8 September
For those who aren’t familiar, Riot Party is a sex-positive rave held in London and Manchester. In celebration of Sex Worker Pride, the group have collaborated with One Night Parties, an 18+ event series where femme-leaning and non-binary people can meet other like-minded individuals, explore their sexuality and make friends. As well as offering play spaces, the night will offer sign-making workshops, art exhibitions, panel talks and performances by the likes of Sexquisite, an arts company platforming sex-worker artists, as well as a sex-worker-led market. You can grab a ticket here.
Queer House Party – London
13 September
The must-attend event for queer ravers is back for Queer House Party’s September edition at their new, Hackney-based warehouse. Packed with DJs, dancers and various live shows, Queer House Party is for everyone. This time around, non-binary DJ Basmati (amongst several others) will be on the decks, while feminist pop singer Ana De Llor is just one of many performers who will take to the stage. The event is also super accessible, offering practicalities such as wheelchair access and interpreters, as well as affordable low-income tickets for those who need them. And, if you can’t make it in person, Queer House Party offers a pay-what-you-feel livestream on the night, which can be watched from anywhere in the world. Tickets can be found here.
QUEER (JOY) – Brighton
21 September
Kicking this autumn off is a brand spanking new event – QUEER (JOY). Based in Brighton, QUEER (JOY) will spotlight LGBTQIA artists from Brighton and beyond, with each iteration celebrating a different art form. For their debut event, it is the turn of live music to bring the queer community together and spotlight the best of local talent. As well as flying in their headline act, Kalbells – a four-piece girl group from Brooklyn, New York – there will be performances from non-binary artist Persiajoon, as well as the genre-bending DJ KD MARS. Guests will also have the opportunity to give back to the community by donating to the Village Food Bank, an emerging initiative for low-income LGBTQIA people in Brighton & Hove. To support the initiative, grab your ticket here.
Online Speed Friending for Queer Women and Non-Binary People – online
24 September
Have you heard of this online speed friending event for queer women and non-binary individuals? It’s not always easy to make friends within your own local circles, but this event – which plays on online speed dating – allows you to meet like-minded individuals from the comfort of your home. The organisers connect participants with up to ten other queer women, or trans/non-binary folk, each of whom you can chat with for five minutes or so. The next day, those who both consent will be “matched” to continue chatting outside the event. And the best part is, you can join from anywhere in the UK by buying a ticket here.
Strap Up – Salford
26 September
An art exhibition and performance night celebrating trans mascs, Strap Up celebrates the launch of STRAP magazine’s second issue, which describes itself as “a love letter to lesbian style”. The night will kick off with a life-drawing event, before some live music, dance performances and steamy shows from drag kings. There will also be a raffle with some sexy prizes to be won. Tickets can be bought here.
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