London Queer Soundsystem Day

London Queer Soundsystem Day (L.Q.S.D) celebrates queer soundsystem collectives and the UK’s unique LGBTQIA+ cultural heritage.

Featuring the likes of Deptford Northern Soul Club, Black Obsidian Sound System, Panty Soaker Sound System, Calvin Biggy C & Sugarbear (Bootylicious), Homo-Centric Records and Chapter 10, as well as a live PA set from Taka Boom, this is an all-day dance floor affair not to be missed.

L.Q.S.D founder and curator Gideon says, ‘Growing up in South London, free sound systems in local parks were the highlight of my summers. We come together to tip our collective hats to the mighty Chaka Khan and explore her musical influence in our rich and vibrant London scene.’

Deptford Northern Soul Club (DNSC) is comprised of childhood friends Will Foot and Lewis Henderson who have performed at Glastonbury, Green Man and End of the Road festivals, with regular residencies at London’s EartH and Moth Club and YES in Manchester.

Black Obsidian Sound System (B.O.S.S.) was established in the summer of 2018 with the intention of bringing together a community of queer, trans and non-binary Black people and people of colour involved in art, sound and radical activism. In 2021 B.O.S.S was shortlisted for the Turner Prize.

Born from sheer love and dedication to the UK underground, Panty Soaker Sound System (P.S.S.S.) emerges from the energy of late 1980s and early 1990s clubbing. The melting synthesis of AMBAA’s performance and slick vocal heat with Ben Jamu’s driving and dirty home-cooked beats form P.S.S.S.

DJ Biggy C, a staple in the Black gay party scene for over 30 years, has dazzled global audiences since the 1980s. Past residencies include Fruit Machine at Heaven and The Vox’s Pressure Zone, and he’s performed at Caribana and UK Black Pride. Nowadays, he lights up Club Bootylicious and Urban World at Scala.

DJ Sugarbear has had an incredible history playing at some of London’s most iconic events including Bootylicious, Rage, Adonis, guest spots at Horse Meat Disco and regular slots at the one of the coolest party on the planet, NYC Downlow at Glastonbury.

Homo-Centric Records founder Gideön is the curator of L.Q.S.D. As well as being a DJ and producer, he is also co-founder, director and booker of Block9’s festival nightlife institutions NYC Downlow, IICON and Genosys, and is also a resident and co-booker at London’s hottest queer club night, Adonis.

Chapter 10 is a London queer rave that pushes beyond binary to champion radical excellence and counterculture. Founded in 2013, with its last edition in 2023, Chapter 10 was all about the party, with line-ups announced one minute before doors opened.

Yvonne Stevens, aka Taka Boom, has left an indelible mark on the R&B and dance music landscape since the 1970s. She is the younger sister of the legendary Chaka Khan and Mark Stevens of Aurra. As a vocalist, she has worked with Parliament, Gap Band, Carl Carlton and George Clinton’s Brides of Funkenstein. She has performed at LGBTQIA+ clubs and events across the United States, cementing her status as an ally and icon within the community.