DIVA spoke to the founders of this exciting multi-use space created to spark LGBTQIA+ connection
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES PROVIDED
At a time when our LGBTQIA+ spaces are rapidly closing, we need a beacon of hope. Radical new space Damsel offers to do just that. Creating a unique space for queer connection, Damsel is set to be a sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ women and trans people of all genders. Acting as a café by day and a cocktail bar by night, the space also has a basement which will be transformed into a multi-use cultural space for workshops, performances and more.
Opening on 19 June, Damsel finds itself in the centre of Bethnal Green. Ahead of this exciting new venture, DIVA spoke to the founders May Slaoui and Leyla Edwards about why Damsel is so vital right now.
You can find out more about Damsel here: damselcollective.com
What inspired you to create Damsel? Was there a specific moment or gap in existing spaces that sparked this idea?
We both found it hard, like so many do in London, to find our footing and find our people. It wasn’t until we were lucky enough to fall into lesbian and queer spaces together that we discovered the highly addictive feeling of real community. And maybe we’re biased, but the queer community is an incredibly special one to be part of – the levels of freedom, safety, and euphoria that exist here are priceless.
But the reality is, these spaces are usually temporary, and often underfunded, inaccessible, or underground. And they’re almost always nightlife spaces. We found ourselves pining after those environments and our people far more often than we could actually find them available.
So we decided to build Damsel; a day-to-night model that makes that feeling accessible beyond just a night. More than just a party. Reflective of who we are: layered and multifaceted. We also believe the only way to build a space like this – and make it work – is by doing it alongside the very people it’s for, at every step. Across all aspects. Something we personally want to see more of, done properly.
And honestly, we’ve been massively inspired and motivated by the people already out there who are doing it right. We feel really lucky to be joining this force of businesses, organisations, and individuals clawing back space, loudly and we’re excited to contribute to the momentum.
And through it all, we found something else: how many women – not necessarily queer, but allies, friends, people who respect and love what queer spaces offer – are naturally gravitating toward them too. Drawn to the joy, the freedom, the safety. It made us realise that so many people need what our community has built, can benefit from it, and want to be part of it – and that’s something to be really proud of. That’s something to welcome. And honestly, it’s a huge part of what Damsel Collective is about.
In what ways does Damsel challenge or reimagine queer nightlife and community building?
We will always honour the role that queer nightlife has and always will play in queer liberation, but we also feel the need to expand on it.
Damsel challenges and refuses the idea that our communities only thrive after dark or that belonging has an expiration date based on where you’re at in life.
Damsel is about ownership of space – not just visiting it. It’s about creating infrastructure for our community to exist loudly, safely, and joyfully; day, night, and everything in between. Permanently.
Damsel offers a dual experience — café by day, bar and cultural space by night. What was the intention behind this split format?
The goal was to create a model that’s solid enough to operate well but flexible enough to move with the community. Structurally, it’s simple: two sides (day: café/workshops; night: lounge/social/events). But inside that, it’s highly adaptive, highly expansive; so people can use it how they need to, and keep helping shape it.
We wanted to build something that was sustainable, scalable, and able to offer real choice – something we don’t often get in abundance. This model means we’re as accessible as possible – whether you’re here to work, connect, relax, or party.
A lot of women and queer people hit moments where their lifestyle needs or wants shift, and traditional nightlife doesn’t leave space for that. It pushes us into isolation. Damsel pushes back against that. It’s here to hold space for you. Wherever you’re at, whatever you’re needing.
What have been some unexpected challenges in opening a space like Damsel, especially in the current social and political climate?
Everyone says it, but we really weren’t prepared for just how many barriers you face being young, queer, and female founders. It made us strong, but we couldn’t have prepared for it. Not always in the explicit ways you’d expect either – it can look like a constant low-level doubt and disbelief from every angle. We can only imagine how much harder it would’ve been if we were doing this alone, without community. Another reason we’re doing this: it shouldn’t be this hard. And if you need a village… we’re here.
In terms of the wider climate, one thing we’ve learned is that trying to build an ethical, apartheid-free business isn’t actually the hard part – and that if you try, it’s genuinely easy. Made easier through working with truly good people.
We’re grateful that, so far, we haven’t faced direct hate for being a trans-inclusive, queer-owned business. Instead, we’ve focused all our energy on the people we’re doing this for.
The biggest challenges have been the classic ones: funding, finding space, building from scratch. But we’re clear about who we are and who we’re here for, and that clarity makes us ready for whatever may come.
What message do you hope Damsel puts out into the nightlife and community organising world?
That we deserve more. More options. More ownership. More places where we can exist without explanation. More spaces that don’t just welcome us, but are built by us and for us – and are made to last.
We hope Damsel shows that it’s not enough to “make room” for us. We’ve been doing that for ourselves forever. It’s time to build the whole f*king house.
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