14 January 2022 - 1 Comment
Some of the most loved acts on Tāmaki Makaurau’s vibrant queer scene are throwing a massive party this Pride month. The inaugural event, BABY Qz, will be held at the Tuning Fork on Friday, February 11.
Presented by the Tuning Fork and Rainbow Youth, and curated by alt-pop queen Theia and DJ Monoga.my, BABY Qz is all about celebrating diversity and championing some of the most exciting and talented LGBTQA+ icons Auckland has to offer. BABY Qz is also about reinforcing the importance of promoting safe events and spaces for queer, gender diverse, takatāpui and intersex youth of all ages, with no age restrictions on entry.
BABY Qz hosts an ‘A list’ line-up of live acts, DJs and performers selected by Theia and DJ Monoga.my, who wanted to provide a snapshot of the immense talent that exists on the city’s thriving underground scene.
“I’m very proud to be able to be involved in BABY Qz. It’s the event I know my 13 year old self would have craved. It’s also amazing to be able to perform with some of my own favourite artists and know that everyone coming will see representatives of all facets of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum,” says Theia.
“What I find particularly exciting about this event is that Theia and I chose acts that we love, and excite us - acts that queer youth might not otherwise get access to due to them mostly playing at R18 venues. These acts are some of the most talented people I know, they are loved and celebrated parts of our community and I’m even lucky enough get to call some of them part of my chosen family,” adds DJ Monoga.my.
The line-up includes performances from none other than Kita Mean - the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under; as well as Misty Frequency (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Rauru, Ngāi Tahu) who combines political, conceptual, DIY, avant-garde drag to captivate, stimulate and educate.
There will also be live performances from up-and-coming music acts JHL and bb gurl, with club favourite Baby Zionov holding down the night on the DJ decks. It’ll end in spectacular fashion with a finale from Theia, who is renowned for her high-energy performances packed with alt-pop bangers, and a gorgeous DJ set from Monoga.my.
“It is so important to have safe queer spaces and events for everyone in the queer community because it gives us all a place to come together and celebrate our diversity. This is particularly vital for our queer youth as it gives them the opportunity to find their chosen family and grow in a safe, supportive and joyous environment,” says DJ Monoga.my.
BABY Qz promises to be an unforgettable night of music and performance in a safe space, where everyone is welcome.
The all-ages BABY Qz club night set to be held at the Tuning Fork on February 11 as part of Pride month will be cancelled due to Auckland moving to the red setting.
The curators of the night - alt-pop artist Theia and DJ Monoga.my - are disappointed that the show cannot go ahead and want to thank everyone for their understanding. They remain committed to putting on an event for queer, gender diverse, takat?pui and intersex youth of all ages, and will re-visit this with the Tuning Fork once there’s more certainty around events.
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