How raves are playgrounds for finding your identity (with Samantha Togni)

Raves are widely acknowledged to be spaces where you can express yourself freely. In doing so, it’s possible to peel back layers of societal conditioning and embrace who you truly are.

@samantha.togni is a multifaceted techno artist, label owner and the creative force behind @theonlyboudica, a progressive club event and groundbreaking conference. Growing up in rural Italy as a queer person wasn’t easy for Sam but she found her identity, and her community, in raves. Here she highlights why raves help you find your identity…

DIVERSITY & AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION
From the diversity of the artists on stage, to the dancers on the floor, raves can help people who don’t fit into societal norms to feel seen and represented. The style, the fashion, the attitudes and the stories can be so inspiring if you’ve been made to feel like an outsider.

NON-JUDGMENTAL SPACES
In non-judgmental spaces, people feel free to explore different aspects of their identity, experiment with self-expression and embrace their true selves without societal constraints. The journey of self-discovery for each person must be empowered, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, who to some degree pretty much all experience trauma and barriers.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Community is rooted in the reciprocal exchange of giving and receiving, creating a supportive space where everyone contributes in a positive way towards each other and our identity choices. Within rave culture, you can learn valuable lessons in compassion, empathy and uplifting others, creating an environment where we can all thrive together.

SAFETY
Raves can be safer environments, where everyone feels heard and protected. Authentic representation, meaningful opportunities and progressive safety policies are necessary to achieve this. We need to be there to elevate and protect others so that we can be the best version of ourselves too.