QRave: Making Rave women and queer-friendly

QRave, a Goa-based club night revolving around queer and women DJs and music producers, will be hosting their first show in Bengaluru on March 21. While DJing has traditionally been a male-dominated space, these women artistes are forging their own path, paving the way for other women and queer artistes to shine.

QRave, a Goa-basedclub night revolving around queer and women DJs and music producers, will be hosting their first show in Bengaluru on March 21. While DJing has traditionally been a male-dominated space, these women artistes are forging their own path, paving the way for other women and queer artistes to shine.

The Bengaluru edition of QRave will see Kandy Kuri, Pardafash and Chutney Mary at the turntable.

Started by Avril Unger aka Chutney Mary and her friend Aadhi aka Mo’Homo in Goa in December 2023, QRave has already seen six successful editions across various venues in Goa.

Talking about what led to the beginning of QRave, Chutney Mary says, “When we started, we were already hosting queer events in Goa — we decided to begin this club night to showcase queer and women DJs because for the most part, this scene in India is dominated by men. We wanted a space where women and queer DJs were a majority.”

“I believe that when you have more women and queer people in the audience as well as on the stage, it automatically becomes a safe space,” she adds.

Chutney believes that visibility has long been part the struggle, “Initially, we were unable to get mainstream venues for queer events, but now that is changing. There has been a lot of work on the part of our allies to reach this place, and I believe we are also a part of the system that is changing the dialogue around club scenes.”

A lot goes into making an event woman- and queer-friendly. “Unlike other gatherings, we ensure there is an added layer of safety, such as sensitising the staff to make it a safer space for queer and trans audiences,” says Chutney.