QUEER BIPOC FEMALE DJs ARE ON THE RISE

B. The City (she/her/hers) is a queer Latina DJ in Toronto who aims to create a space to share her eclectic sound selections to a broader audience and eventually globally.

I remember the first time I went to a queer event and immediately being surrounded by a diverse crowd of people. The DJs played music you don’t usually hear on the radio or in clubs. People were actually dancing DANCING. This was not your typical 2SLGBTQIA+ party that prioritized white cis gay men, it was a space that highlighted and celebrated BIPOC first. Although, the music is what really caught my attention… global sounds fused with nostalgic bops, music from different cultures, blaring through the speakers; I felt like I was in this alternate universe where anything goes. I also paid attention to who was curating the set and appreciated that it reflected the type of music they were playing. It was refreshing and felt authentic. 

I never thought of myself as a DJ until one time I went to that same party and was in awe of the DJ’s set. A woman of colour on the decks playing a style of music that was so infectious and explored genres that I didn’t know existed. Before this, people had expressed they liked the music I put on whenever I would have guests over and that I had an eclectic palette. So when I heard this DJ’s set, the energy she brought to the crowd and watched their reaction, I thought to myself “I could do this, I could get people moving like this”. It was like a revelation. I had found my passion. Something inside me clicked. I bought my own controller, started downloading music, watched endless YouTube videos, attended workshops by DJs in the city and fully immersed myself in the culture.  I am grateful for those who created a name for themselves before me because it allowed me to feel confident enough to participate in the same space. It can be daunting being in spaces where I’m the only female while men’s ego takes over the energy. I recall a recent event which I was opening for, the headlining DJ tried to tell me to keep my set “chill” and dictate what I should play. It was unsettling because if I were a man that probably would have gone much differently. Despite that, I played the set I prepared. I felt the energy from the crowd and the curators who hired me and it was so rewarding because I was able to hold my own. That’s why many more female DJs are becoming more prevalent in the scene because we are able to actually prove our capabilities and let our skills speak for themselves. 

Queerness represents fluidity while breaking barriers and that is precisely what influences my sets.  

I don’t limit myself to one genre and I believe in putting people on to music that they’re unfamiliar with. I’m a Latina woman who identifies as a lesbian and that heavily inspires the kind of music I share. There are not many queer women of colour who DJ but we are slowly becoming more present in these spaces. Women of colour bring a sense of charisma that connects with the crowd on an intimate level.

We understand the importance of providing an inclusive safe space for attendees. Reflecting on my journey to becoming a DJ, I feel connected to other women in the scene because I know the experiences we share in a male/white-dominated field. I feel their passion. I feel how committed they are to bringing party-goers together through their energy. Even those who have made a mark within their community, use their platform to include up-and-coming female DJs and create an easier path to share our art. This is why it is so critical for us to take over these spaces so we can make room for more creators like us and we feel seen.

Overall, it is so beautiful and powerful to be part of this new generation of DJs and see the club scene slowly.