The Raves and Riddims of Queer Diaspora – A Panel Discussion

Event Description:

Why are queer people from the diaspora partying (or not) today? What kinds of riddims (rhythms) are they dancing to? What’s a buzzkill at the function? How is cost-of-living affecting folks’ ability to show up and show out?

Join us for a panel discussion on the aesthetics and conditions of queer diasporic nightlife and music. We will discuss the kinds of vibes, moods, and soundscapes that are unique to the queer (Black, African, and Caribbean) diaspora here in Toronto. We’ll yap about what drives queer diasporic people to party, what about diaspora informs nightlife and music, and what barriers exist to creating nightlife and music communities in Toronto.

Panelists:

999ADJ (they/them) is a DJ, promoter, curator, producer and artist based in Toronto. They are a radio head with residencies at Oroko Radio based in Ghana and Subtle Radio based in the UK. They run an event series called @999heard which focuses on elevating Black artists locally and across the diaspora. 999ADJ has played across Toronto and in cities such as New York, Detroit, Chicago and the Philippines. Their sets focus on highlighting Black artists and you’ll hear blends of footwork, techno, jungle and many more. They desire to continue to create space for more queer Black femmes in the club music scene and continue to learn from every opportunity.

Sydanie (she/her) is a Toronto born, Jamaican-Trinidadian artist & mother. Sydanie is leveling all expectations and setting the bar at a new height for women in the Toronto hip-hop scene. Not confined to the restrictions that any genre could impose on her creativity, Sydanie is an artist creating a diverse array of texturized and unique, synth-driven sounds, unapologetically carrying her neighbourhood of south side Jane with her everywhere she goes. Her impeccable production treatments run the spectrum from house to ambient trap and her nuanced sounds lay the foundations for Sydanie to unpack her lyrical fireworks. Ranging from meditative to incendiary, her verses transmit a contagious momentum that results in seriously deep thrills for listeners. Following features on the Strombo Show and The Fader, the 2019 Polaris prize long-lister and self-proclaimed supernatural rapper has most recently relaunched the MOCHA Project; her grassroots community arts project for low income families & youth in West Toronto, with successful a doula certification fundraiser program & her uniquely curated back to school literacy event, The Reading Salon. Sydanie is set to release her awaited LP, Eclectic Circus this spring.

Yemisi (they/them) also known as digital polyglot is a non-binary artist of Nigerian descent who is most inspired by space and other worlds. When it comes to DJing, they are not bound by genre but are drawn to whatever feels raw, hard-hitting and transcendent. Devoted to creating immersive experiences, they have played various party and festival stages including Piknic Électronik, L'après Osheaga, Club Quarantine, Pride Toronto, and POP Montréal. Their goal with each set is to conjure up a sonic journey that propels you to leave your demons on the dance floor.

Stephanie Sawah, (she/her) is a Master’s student in the Women and Gender Studies Institute at the University of Toronto. She is interested in how queer diasporic Caribbean people use nightlife to imagine new worlds, new possibilities, and new paradigms.

This event is generously sponsored by the Women and Gender Studies Institute Graduate Student Union.

Location Details:

The location of this event is room UC240 located at University College (15 King's College Circle). The closest entrance is on the left side of Hart House Circle if you are walking north from King's College Circle. We will have volunteers at the main staircase on the first floor.

About Sex Salon:

The Sex Salon is a monthly speakers series organized and hosted by graduate students from the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, and meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 5:00 - 7:00 PM EST.

Accessibility Information:

Please let us know of any access needs at sds.sexsalon@gmail.com

Wheelchair Access:

The venue is wheelchair accessible. The main University College building currently features two accessible entrances on the north and south sides of the building. Site map can be viewed here.

Washroom Access:

There are two all-gender bathrooms located on the same floor as the event room.

Food:

Light refreshments will be provided. If you have specific dietary needs or snack requests, please let us know in advance by emailing sds.sexsalon@gmail.com. We will do our best to accommodate.

ASL Interpretation:

ASL interpretation can be arranged upon request. Please notify us at least one week in advance if you require this service by emailing sds.sexsalon@gmail.com.