About this Event
About the Event
Night two of THEYFRIEND takes over the mic at El Rio for Karaokiki: They/Them Energy, a special night of karaoke, community, and nonbinary joy!
Hosted by JoSie (aka Dulce de Leche) and Remi Sunshin, They/Them Energy is your chance to claim the mic, sing your heart out, and celebrate nonbinary joy in all its forms. Sing your favorite karaoke standby, attempt the song you've been practicing in the shower, or just grab a drink and cheer on your fellow theyfriends.
For an extra challenge, we invite singers to swap the pronouns in their songs for gender-neutral ones!. Whether you're singing, dancing, cheering from the crowd, or discovering a new favorite song, expect a night of music, community, and gender euphoria.
Want to sing? Come early! Karaokiki is a popular night and the song list fills up fast. Get there early to put your name in and snag a spot on the mic.
About the Artists
JoSie (they/she/he) has been a vibrant force in the Bay Area’s queer arts community for more than 15 years, both as a dedicated supporter and active contributor. A nonbinary artist best known for their drag persona, Dulce De Leche, JoSie has made their mark as both a performer and community builder. They are especially proud of their collaboration with Work MORE! 7 to research and co-write “Daughters of a Riot” (2016), a theatrical drag production chronicling San Francisco’s rich queer history. JoSie is also the creator and founder of Karaokiki, an all-inclusive weekly karaoke party at El Rio that celebrates self-expression and queer joy every Thursday night. This year marks JoSie’s second serving on the THEYFRIEND planning committee, where they’re thrilled to help uplift and celebrate the nonbinary community.
Remi Sunshine (they/them) is a San Francisco-based genderqueer drag king, karaoke host, and licensed psychotherapist. They believe that singing together is a way to release pent up emotion, soothe and strengthen your nervous system, build supportive community, and express your truest self. As a singing drag king, Glitter Daddy has performed on the Oasis stage, competed in the 2020 Drag Quing pageant, conducted queer marriage ceremonies, and hosted drag karaoke nights at gay bars across the Bay Area. In their psychotherapy practice, they specialize in helping queer and trans people heal from trauma, explore their gender identity, and find ways to express their authentic gender.
To Attend
Karaokiki: They/Them Energy is FREE and 21+! No RSVP required.
Come by anytime between 9 PM and 1 AM to sing, dance, or hang out. If you want to sing, we recommend arriving early - the karaoke list fills up quickly!
About Karaokiki
Founded by Josie, aka beloved drag songstress Dulce de Leche, Karaokiki is a long-running queer karaoke night at El Rio where singers of all experience levels are invited to grab the mic and let it rip. Known for its welcoming crowd, playful energy, and packed song list, Karaokiki is a space to sing big, cheer loudly, and celebrate queer community - whether you’re a karaoke regular or stepping up to the mic for the first time.
About THEYFRIEND
THEYFRIEND is the world’s first performance festival uplifting, centering, and celebrating nonbinary identity! Produced by Diamond Wave and held annually during Transgender Awareness Week, THEYFRIEND creates a simultaneously gender-free and gender-full container for gender-expansive artists to imagine, play, dream, and connect.
Accessibility
- El Rio is a 21+ bar and performance venue located in San Francisco’s Mission District. The entrance and most of the venue are wheelchair accessible, including the back deck. There are raised lips at the doorways leading to the patio. El Rio has several gender-neutral single-stall restrooms, as well as a restroom with two urinals.
- KN95 masks are recommended when not actively eating or drinking, and will be available at the event.
- If you have any access needs or requests, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate you!
Event venue & nearby stays
El Rio, 3158 Mission Street, San Francisco, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.