Peace, Love, Unity & Respect: How Rave Culture Was Shaped By The LGBTQ+ Community

Having grew out of the LGBTQ+ community, raves have always been a safe space for individuals to express themselves freely - be it through music, movement or style.

Drag Queens and DJs often share the stage at rave venues

Role of the LGBTQ+ Community

From its inception in the 1980's and 1990's, rave culture was heavily influenced by the LGBTQ+ community. Early raves were not just about music and dance; they were sanctuaries where people of all genders and sexual orientations could celebrate their true selves. Free from the judgemental eyes of society, LGBTQ+ clubs were a natural hosting venues, as most were already underground or in secret locations.

Peace, Love and Unity and Respect (PLUR)

One of the key contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to rave culture is the emphasis on inclusivity and acceptance, also known as PLUR. The ethos of "PLUR" (Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect) is a cornerstone of rave culture, promoting a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated.

Advocacy for equality and respect for all individuals moves through the movement. As a result, rave culture has become a refuge for marginalized groups, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.

Expressing yourself freely

KitKat to Kremlin

Many iconic venues associated with the biggest raves are also prominent LGBTQ+ spaces. All over the world, DJs and Drag Queens share the stage. From Berlin's KitKat Club to Belfast's Kremlin, internationally renowned rave dens are almost always queer friendly spaces.

The Berghain in Berlin, which began as a male-only fetish club, is now considered to be the best rave spot in the world. People flock to KitKat Club for its parties and the techno/trance music selection. HEAVEN was London's original G-A-Y-only nightclub and also home to long-running acid-house events.

"We Dance Together; We Fight Together"

In May 2018, protesters marched from one of Georgia’s few LGBTQ+ friendly clubs, which had been victim to yet another heavy-handed police raid, to the country's Parliament building. Their protest was transformed by techno music and within hours it turned into a 20,000 strong rave.

Dancing and rave music became a political act. Their message was clear: “We dance together, we fight together.” This was echoed by techno DJs around the world, posting messages of solidarity with Georgia’s demonstrators and the wider LGBTQ+ community.

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