NYX Professional Makeup speaks to this social network and event organiser about why the dancefloor needs to be more inclusive
ADVERTORIAL, BY DIVA STAFF
It’s no secret that the queer nightlife scene in the UK is dwindling. Iconic venues are shutting their doors, leaving queer people without these vital spaces to connect, dance and spread queer joy. For Black queer people, finding a nightlife space that feels wholly inclusive can feel like an impossible challenge.
It was precisely this reason which prompted the creation of The Connection Party eight years ago. This social network and event organiser helps create the sexiest, deliciously-queer events to allow people to connect, network, share culture and party. The Connection Party is one of the trailblazing groups that are being spotlighted by NYX Professional Makeup’s Proudly Pro-You brand initiative this year. Created in 2019 and launched in 2022, NYX Professional Makeup’s initiative aims to help uplift and platform the LGBTQIA+ and the LGBTQIA+ people of colour, alongside support organisations that are creating queer-safe spaces and places for our community.
The Connection Party began eight years ago when founder Royston felt like there was nowhere they actually enjoyed going out to in the UK. “I always felt very uncomfortable going to certain places because I felt I was judged. People saw my skin before they saw me,” Royston told NYX Professional Makeup.
“The biggest challenge that we face is having safe spaces where you can have fun and see people that look like you,” Kylon added, a member of The Connection Party. “I think that’s one of our core values: to create a safe space where people can just be themselves.”
With thumping dancefloors and incredible tunes, The Connection Party is fostering a space where people can just be their authentic selves. Eyes closed, bodies moving and smiles all round, The Connection Party is far more than just a night out.
With the support of NYX Professional Makeup’s Proudly Pro-You brand initiative this year, The Connection Party has been able to grow their community more than ever, and the size of their events. In particular, their Halloween extravaganza is set to be their biggest yet. “It’s helping us to give back. It’s given us that platform so we can unapologetically support our community who we feel are underrepresented,” Kylon explained to NYX Professional Makeup.
“We want to make sure that there are safe spaces under the Connection Party brand that whenever they see that logo or ever they hear that name they automatically feel comfortable, feel proud, and know that they’ve got a safe space.”
Learn more about The Connection Party, as well as more of the great work that NYX Professional Makeup’s Proudly Pro-You brand initiative is doing at https://www.nyxcosmetics.co.uk/proudly-pro-you
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