About this Event
Come Play With Me presents... I CAN SEE QUEERLY NOW
Join us this October at Headrow House for an afternoon of FREE inspiring, in-depth interviews with talented queer musicians from across the UK and panel discussions about how to make the music scenes of the North more LGBTQIA+ inclusive.
// Refreshments provided // DJ set // Preview of 'Rainbowtopia' exhibition, curated by Aeris Houlihan //
// DOORS OPEN AT 12:30 //
SESSION 1 // DOUGLAS DARE - IN CONVERSATION
(he/she/they) is a genderfluid singer-songwriter from Bridport, who is currently based in London. Signed to Erased Tapes Records, they have released 3 albums and 2 EPs since 2013 - most recently, their critically-acclaimed album Milkteeth (released in 2020), which explores Douglas' childhood growing up in rural Dorset and grappling with one's identity. In this conversation, we will chart the journey of Douglas' career from their rural upbringing to life in London, whilst also touching on Douglas' drag persona Visa Reasons.
SESSION 2 // QUEERING THE MUSIC SCENES OF THE NORTH
Why do northern cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds have such strong associations with indie bands that are comprised of straight, white, cis men? How do we ensure that queer voices are heard and celebrated in music scenes across the North and prevent a brain drain of queer talent to the south?
Our panel discussion 'Queering the Music Scenes of the North' will explore these questions and more, by sharing the work that's already being done by some amazing individuals from across the region and debating how we can ensure that queer artists don't exist on the periphery of the music scene. How do we create a culture where LGBTQIA+ musicians can take centre stage and build a lasting legacy?
Join us for this insightful panel featuring DJ and producer (from alt-rock band Witch of the East), social justice educator and musician + more to be announced...
SESSION 3 // JAMES INDIGO: BREAKING BOUNDARIES
(he/him) is a UK artist, who uses his experiences of growing up as an LGBTQ+ person of colour, to create an esoteric sound that is very much true to himself.
He mixes his Jamaican / British background with his queer perspective on pop culture, to create a fusion of sounds. Musically, he melds rap lyrics, with icy electro and pounding trap beats, and dancehall inflections, along with his unique energy.
He has been featured in Billboard, HuffPost, PRS, Hunger Magazine, Pink News, Attitude, GayTimes, Them, Kaltbult Magazine, Bricks, Grindr, Snapchat, and The BBC.
This session will explore the ways in which LGBTQIA+ musicians have to navigate the narrow confines of genres and the pressure they feel to conform to gendered stereotypes in order to widen their commercial appeal.
// COVID-19 SAFETY //
Headrow House has the following COVID-19 protocols:
Face Coverings - although not mandatory, we encourage customers to continue to wear a face covering when walking around internal areas of the venue.
Sanitiser Stations - hand sanitiser stations will remain available on entry, exit and at key areas of the venue, and our staff will continue to sanitise high contact areas regularly.
Physical Distancing - we ask that you continue to respect the personal space of other customers and staff.
Symptoms - please do not visit if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
// ACCESSIBILITY //
Unfortunately, the lift at Headrow House is currently out of order, making the event inaccessible for wheelchair users - we apologise for this. There is an accessible toilet on the floor below the event space which is accessible via 3 steps down from the event space main doors.
Gender neutral toilets can be found to the rear of the lower terrace.
View Headrow House's Safety Policy here.
View Headrow House's accessibility guide here.
If you require any further information regarding this event, please email [email protected].
*Line-up subject to change
**Featured artists will not be performing, this is a panel/conference-style event
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00