On stage and with LGBTQIA+ rights: these DJs have made a difference.
“In the Key of She” is a list of more than 250 LGBTQIA+ female electronic music producers and DJs, created to help promoters and labels diversify line-ups at festivals, clubs and big events, address the gender imbalance in the music industry and critically investigate the career experiences of women and gender minorities.
From this list, we have chosen five artists who have influenced – and are still influencing – the current electronic scene.
Through their popularity, they have established themselves as icons for the entire Queer community, helping to break down the prejudices still held against gender minorities, in the electronic music industry and beyond.
Prejudice that results in discriminatory, vicious comments on social media or when they are at the stage.
Find out who they are and Turn Up the volume!
Honey Dijon
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A world-renowned American DJ and producer, Honey Dijon is an influential voice for transgender rights and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Her beats take inspiration from New York artists of the late 70s and early 80s, which she fuses with versatile, eclectic sounds.
Her style is multifaceted, catchy and has conquered the ‘cathedrals’ of clubbing in London, Berlin, Paris and New York.
She has always proudly stated:
“I think one of the most important things the trans movement is able to create is the breaking down of boundaries and sexual expression for all.”
All Rights at Boiler Room
Sophie
The Producer and dj SOPHIE‘s influence in the world of electronic, experimental and pop music is undeniable.
The Scottish transgender artist laid the foundations of the PC Music sound – now often referred to as ‘hyperpop‘, she has collaborated with everyone from Underground stars such as Charli XCX, Kim Petras and Madonna, falling into a sound category that was – and continues to be – hers alone.
Her figure as an ethereal, gentle and delicate transgender woman has inspired, and continues to inspire, generations of LGBTQIA+ people. Her performance sophisticated, sound and mastery at the desk will remain unforgettable.
All Rights at SOPHIE
Octo Octa
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Maya Bouldry-Morrison, better known as Octo Octa, is a house producer and DJ from Brooklyn, New York.
After achieving some success as a DJ, Bouldry-Morrison came out as transgender in 2016.
The choice to make herself known first and foremost as a producer and DJ was dictated by not wanting to influence the public for her own gender choices, leaving only her talent to speak.
And talent she has in spades, the dear Octo Octa.
Maya represents a symbol of courage, strength of character and self-love for the LGBTQIA+ community. Her song “Can You See Me?“ repeats the looped phrase “I know exactly how you feel”: a message of sadness and at the same time of closeness to her homo and transgender audience.
All Rights at Octo Octa
Sherelle
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Sherelle is a talented young producer and DJ from London, representing the new generation of artists active for LGBTQIA+ rights.
She is founder of BEAUTIFUL, a label and music project for Black and LGBTQIA+ artists, born from her experience as a Black and Gay artist within the electronic music industry.
“Having the necessary tools to get a fair chance in this scene is the key to creating the stars of tomorrow.
BEAUTIFUL will build on this legacy.
I want to use the influence of BEAUTIFUL to connect many electronic artists in Black LGBTQIA+ culture by building our fan base and workshops.”
All Rights at Sherelle
WORDS: Manuela Palma
