Whether you’re a dyke or a femme, your wait for a dedicated girl party is over. GayIceland sits down with the DJ and club promoter Linda Anderson to find out more about Dyke Nite 2.0.
The brain child of Edda, Operations Manager at Kiki and DJ Linda, Dyke Nite is a fun, friendly and most important ‘dyky’ club night for anyone who relates to the queer woman experience.
So after the success of the first event, featuring performers Lola Von Hart, Jett Bent and dancers Karmainorbit and Athena – the Dyke Nite team is back.
We encourage all dykes to show up, be visible, and wear your most dyke-worthy outfit.
Often queer nightlife spaces can miss the mark in terms of their appeal to queer women and non binary people, explaining how Dyke Nite was set up to challenge that.
“Kiki had already hosted several nights for gay and non-binary communities but there wasn’t really an active group organising club nights specifically for queer women,” explains DJ Linda.
“It became clear that there was both a need and a strong interest for something like this. I started looking into what people really wanted, and the response was incredibly positive.
Many had been waiting a long time for a night like this.”
In terms of what to expect, DJ Linda says “well, it’s quite likely you might run into an ex! But the main goal is to have fun, dance, and meet fellow dykes and femmes. It’s a true girls’ party that no one should miss.”
Just like the first Dyke Nite, there will also be a competition where the Dyke of the Night will be crowned.
“So we encourage all dykes to show up, be visible, and wear your most dyke-worthy outfit.”
Of course, self identified ‘dyke’ visibility, as well as the term itself has had a checkered past. DJ Linda explains how the dyke label and identity has been reclaimed and why it’s important to preserve.
“There is strength in reclaiming words that have been used to belittle or hurt others. When people reclaim these words, they lose their negative power and can even become sources of empowerment.
Today, so-called Dyke marches are a clear example of how the lesbian community has reclaimed the term. These marches, which are largely lesbian-led protests similar to LGBTQ+ pride parades, aim to increase visibility and participation among lesbians and to create space for people who identify as bisexual, intersex, non-binary, trans, and more.”
Well, it’s quite likely you might run into an ex! But the main goal is to have fun, dance, and meet fellow dykes and femmes.
As we speak, it becomes clear that DJ Linda views the role of this clubnight as more than entertainment, it’s a reclamation of identity, a place to be yourself and a safe space for queer women, trans, and non-binary people.
“There has been a lack of spaces like this,” she says, “which is why the goal is to build a community, a safe and open one, where women and queer people can be unapologetically themselves, whether in clubs or in everyday life.”
Linda says there is nothing quite like watching the community fill the dance floor, let loose, feel the rhythm, and enjoy the moment.
“Seeing people thrive in a space where they can be unapologetic, free, and confident is my greatest motivation,” she says, adding that they have a Facebook group and an Instagram account called Dyke Nite Gang (@dykenitegang) where they share information about upcoming events.
“It is also a space where you can express yourself, seek advice, or simply connect if you need someone to talk to. No one should have to feel different or alone.”
This commitment to community and access extends to the covering cost for Dyke Note being set at 1,500 ISK, with DJ Linda stressing the importance of affordable nightlife for the LGBTQI+ community.
Dyke Nite 2.0 will take place on Saturday 21 February at Bar 22, Laugavegur 22, Reykjavíkurborg 101, doors at 11pm.