I had two goals. To stick as many Broke Magazine QR codes around Body Movement’s many venues and obviously groove to some sick queer electronic music…
When we first arrived at Hackney Wick station, the energy of the attendees hit us with excitement, rushing from venue to venue making sure they weren’t missing out on the hottest DJ sets. The gentrified area had been remodelled into a sanctuary of creativity and acceptance, I started to imagine all people and high-energy being formed in the sweaty dance floors.
Speed-walking with anticipation to grab our passes, my eyes were mesmerized by the dancers striding through Queen’s Yard, enchanting us with their leather and lace garments. They effortlessly posed with confidence and seduction for our photographer Lulu, setting the scene for the liberating party ahead. I was so ready to get to the first venue.
Arriving at No 90, we squeezed through a crowd of pink and blue flashing lights, reflecting perfectly off bodies intertwining in a fluid choreography to the slamming trance of tech music. Magnetized towards the decks The artist, Lishy, took our breath away. Her fun, spicy energy projected throughout the whole venue, transforming the dance floor with hard baselines. Lishy played a pivotal role in shaping our night and was one to remember.
Our next stop was the Colour Factory. When we discussed the top events we wanted to visit, Pussy Palace was always number one, so this venue was much anticipated.
Walking into the club scene, it was filled with sounds of nostalgic, house and groovy remixes. The space was full of glitter, sequins and bold expressions of personal style. Nadine Noor’s set captivated the dance floor with their electrifying beats, making us Brokerz boogie to this chaotic set, blaring blasts from the past, hip-hop and dancehall tunes.
We took ourselves upstairs to capture a birds-eye view of the Disco balls casting an ethereal glow upon the revelers below, hips swaying, torsos twisting. I felt reminded this is a liberation, empowerment, For many this is more than a party- it’s a sacred space where societal norms are removed and Queer people can embrace their true selves.
Broke Magazine had embarked on a day full of self expression, reunions, dancing and memories to be confessed at Sunday service. As the final notes fade, the rave draws to a close- a beacon of resilience comes as we end up at a drum and bass set, the spirit of the Mc spitting lyrics pushes us that little more to keep dancing.
Body Movements that day paved the way for greater visibility and representation within the music industry and for the queer community. The feeling of freedom and echoes of laughter and love radiated through the whole of Hackney Wick, it truly was a privilege to be amongst the community that made us feel most authentically, Broke Magazine.
Photography by Lulu Shing