For many LGBTQ people, the familiar sounds of four-on-the-floor kick drums, pulsating bass lines and hi-hat beats have always meant more than just elements of a danceable piece of music.
Moving to the beat under a disco ball, surrounded by chosen family has given generations of queer and trans people a sense of community and the freedom to be who they are — whether they danced to Sylvester’s 1978 disco hit “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real);” Madonna’s 1990 ballroom anthem “Vogue;” or Kylie Minogue’s 2023 viral sensation “Padam Padam.”
So what better place to celebrate Pride in New York City than the dance floor? Here’s a look at what some of the groove makers and soul shakers responsible for keeping the tradition alive have in store for this year’s celebrations, along with their memories of their first Pride in the city and who they would love to see at their parties. See you on the dance floor!
Gay, 53, based in London, U.K. Pronouns: he/she/they. You can see him spinning — as part of the DJ collective Horse Meat Disco, alongside Severino Panzetta, James Hillard and Jim Stanton — on Sunday at the Knockdown Center.
First New York City Pride: 1994. It was the 25th anniversary of Stonewall Riots plus NYC was hosting The Gay Games. I went to a party at The Roxy and saw live shows from disco legends Loleatta Holloway, Vicki Sue Robinson and France Joli.
Favorite Pride anthem: “I Was Born This Way” by Carl Bean
Current Top 3: “Freak Me Now (Horse Meat Disco Remix)” by Jessie Ware; “Brighter Days” by Gideön; “Freak At Night” by Amy Douglas
What’s your ideal crowd? We think of ourselves as the queer party for everyone, so that crowd please! And of course, people who love to dance to good music!
How else are you celebrating Pride this year? We’ll be celebrating Pride in NYC, Chicago, Toronto, San Francisco, LA, Seattle and London to name but a few…
Based in Manhattan. Pronouns she/her. You can see her spinning Sunday night/early…
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