Why raving feels like home for the LGBTQ+ community (with Mandidextrous)

With its diverse origins, rave culture was born out of inclusivity. As it has grown, the roots of the culture are sometimes forgotten, or not even known by today’s ravers.

But there is still a prevailing inclusive attitude in many places. Trans DJ @mandidextrous_23 found their way into rave culture through the free party scene, where they found acceptance and belonging. Here they explain why raving feels like home for LGBTQ+ community…

FREEDOM TO BE YOURSELF

In raves, especially the free parties, no one really holds much judgement of others. When you feel less judged, you can express yourself more freely.

RAVES CAN BE A MELTING POT

You’ll encounter so many different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities and sounds at raves. All of those things come to a kind of boiling point, and it’s a mind expanding experience that breaks down barriers and changes people’s perceptions of each other.

UNITED BY ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT IDEOLOGIES

At the illegal raves there’s a strong anti-establishment feeling. Whether you’re a person of colour, or you’re gay or trans or whatever, it doesn’t matter, because everyone is there for the same reason, for that one night: To get totally boxed and just have it out.

EQUALITY

At the best raves there’s no hierarchy, and people who don’t fit in elsewhere are more than welcome. There’s a feeling of safety when you’re all on the same level. This is where you feel at home.

UNITY AT SUNRISE

At night it can be dark and a bit disorienting at the raves. But come the morning, when that sun comes up, you can see everyone’s faces, everyone’s had that night, and everyone’s been through it, and there’s just a unification.