An Unorthodox Conversation with Nathan X
As Pride month wraps up in a big old rainbow and several hangovers to boot, we at UKF wanted to hone in on the brand which champions LGBTQ+ artists and queer spaces. Some may ask why we still need to have Pride; astonishingly, it is still illegal to be gay in 70 countries. Pride is a protest, and one hell of a party, so we caught up with Unorthodox, the ones making the loudest noise right now, to gain insight into the celebrations and tribulations currently in the drum and bass scene for queer artists and ravers.
LGBTQ+ identity is stamped all over the very roots of dance music since its 80s awakening. Dance music itself evolved as a subculture almost exclusively made up of minorities, from queer, Black, and Latino communities, notoriously those in Chicago and Detroit. Counter culture, rebellion, and freedom have long been synonymous with both queer rights and raves; mutual places of peace, love, unity, and respect. So where the hell is the d&b at? Drum & Bass heads and junglists pride ourselves on being sound people with an even better sound, not standing for injustice in our backyard. Yet d&b has been called out royally over the last few years for it’s apparent burial of it’s very foundations such as the Black and queer cultures so integral to the core of the music.
The d&b communities’ attitude towards the queer community goes beyond rife homophobia in forums and comment sections. As a gay womxn, I’ve experienced first hand the objectifcation that can linger over drum & bass nights like a bad odour. When a section of the party stops to stare and heckle something so tame as a same sex kiss over watching some killer drops, one does wonder what’s truly so enthralling? Being gawked at for kissing my girlfriend in a rave that boasts one love, on top of some sickening comments is not what you pay £30 for. There’s a lack of respect, perhaps due to a lack of exposure that forces these reactions. These stares and comments can ultimately lead to far sinister consequences and experiences for other LGBTQ+ people, hence the lack of us at d&b parties.
It seems there is little crossover between one of dance music’s most popular, enduring scenes, and the queer community. Whereas house music, disco & techno, have a whole host of nights, collectives, and brands; such as Glitterbox takeovers every Summer in Ibiza, to the infamous Block9 at Glastonbury, d&b remains rather humdrum with representation once again. From unfriendly dancefloors, to a complete lack of queer representation on roster’s and lineups, it’s beyond any doubt it’s time for change. Change which Unorthodox is affecting one fabulous action at a time. From finding queer artists and DJs, to making hilarious vlogs, to throwing their own drag themed rave spectacle, I sat down with Nathan X with a virtual pint on Zoom to discuss the need for queer spaces, the inclusivity queer drum and bass does actually desire, and how queers are here for life, not just for pride.
