It's Time for a Queer Dance Party!

Virginia Woolf wrote about having a room of one's own in September of 1929. She knew that it was important for women to have both a literal and figurative space within a literary tradition dominated by men. The idea of creating a safe space for people to exist, create, and flourish isn't new, but it is one of the most important if not the most important thing that underrepresented communities need to flourish and expand under their own terms. For these reasons, and many more, two Detroit icons are bringing a Queer Dance Party to Detroit under their own terms. This brand new event was created by RV Mendoza and Jax Anderson a.k.a. Flint Eastwood, two Queer identifying performers who aren't afraid to be themselves and express themselves, which is exactly what they are hoping their party will inspire you to do.

On Friday, September 7th they will be taking over El Club Detroit for the first Queer Dance Party. Tickets to attend the event are only $12 at the door, but you can get them even cheaper and fee free if you pop by the club before that night and grab them at the ticket window. You can also save yourself a drive and a space at the party by buying a ticket online here.

But, before you head out, find out more about why this party is needed, necessary, and going to be a one of a kind experience form the mouth of one of the most inspiring performers around, RV Mendoza.

HID- Okay, so officially, what is a "Queer Dance Party"?

RV Mendoza- "Queer Dance Party is exactly what the name implies. It’s a party centered around LGBTQ+ folks that really want to dance to pop and left-of center dance music."

HID- Why did you team up with Jax Anderson aka Flint Eastwood for this event?
RV Mendoza- "Jax and I are very similar. We’re both queer people that feel like we don’t really “fit in” too well with a lot of mainstream gay communities. Queer Dance Party is our earnest attempt at making a space we feel safe to let loose and have fun with pop music."

HID- Why did you decide to organize a "Queer Dance Party" event in Detroit?
RV Mendoza- "Jax and I literally met on the dance floor, and ever since, we’ve been dreaming about a party that we would like the throw. We’ve been talking about this for years and I’m excited to finally make it happen!"

HID- Are cisgender allies allowed to come play?’
RV Mendoza- "This event will always be centered around LGBTQ+ folks, and yes, allies are welcome!"

HID- What kind of music can we expect? Will their be DJ’s?
RV Mendoza- "Queer dance party make it possible to hear Britney and Trina in the same set.
Ariana to Big Freida. CardiB by way of Carly Rae. It’ll be fertile ground where you’ll be dance-crying to Robyn, then lip-syncing to CupcakKe. This music will be lovingly and queerly curated by me and another DJ. What I hate most about some dance parties are 20 minute long songs that barely change. Some people love it, but it’s really not for me.

At Queer Dance Party, I fully expect for everyone to dance the whole night, but if it happens that you’re not into a certain song, you’ll know it’ll be less than 5 minutes until the next one.
(Unless it’s Beyoncé’s "All Night”––but that won’t be until the end.)"

HID- Will there be more dance parties? How often?
RV Mendoza- "This first party is a test run. If a good amount of people turn out and everything goes well, we plan on doing it monthly. The support has been super great so far and a lot of people are sharing and tagging. I’m pumped to see how this goes. If you want this thing to be a regular event, make sure to come support!"

HID- What's the dress code?
RV Mendoza- "Come as you are, or come as who you want to be. This is an opportunity to try a new things if that’s your goal. Jax will be taking photos so if you want your lewk featured––come correct."

HID- Will you performing?
RV Mendoza- "Maybe. If I do, it won’t be in the way most people expect. ;)
Performances will be integrated right into the dance party. It’ll be sudden––there won’t be any waiting or lead up to it. The performer will get on stage and perform in the middle of the DJ set and immediately after, the dance party continues. The goal is to be non-stop dancing."

HID- Can I dance with you?
RV Mendoza- "The moment Milkshake plays, it’s on."

HID- Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?
RV Mendoza- "I don’t drink, so anytime I go out, it’s stressful to feel like I’m bothering the bartenders for water. If you’re not much of a drinker like me, El Club will always have jugs filled with water that you can get yourself. Just because you’re thirsty, doesn’t mean you have to be dehydrated."

Keep up with everything QDP here.

~S