We caught up with the fabulously passionate Gloria from London’s premier LGBT Latin music night, Exilio…
Your 18th birthday has a ‘Zodiac’ theme, what makes this event different?
Latinos believe very much in the powers of the zodiac system, they have strong roots to the signs, they read their star sign daily just to see what the stars have to say about their day, it’s as common as picking up the paper every morning. Exilio it’s about the Latin roots and keeping in touch with our Latin side, even though we are so far away from our mother country, we love the UK but we always go back to our roots, our music, our atmosphere.
This theme is not an easy one. Like Valentines, the Black and White Party, it is a very creative one, so expect great costumes just like the ones we bring to London Gay Pride, thanks to our creative team coordinated by Fernando. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their very creative designs and long lasting support for Exilio.
We want customers to dress up and I know it’s going to be difficult but fun! Again, thank you to all our followers for being with us for so many years, they are Exilio, because of them we are still here after 18 great and fulfilling years, so many memories, so many marriages, and not even one fight!
What have been your highlights over the past 18 years?
It’s difficult to say, but to break it down in three, would be:
The birth of Exilio: the fact that from a negative experience came the birth of Exilio. Back in the 90s we had no place for the LGBT Latin community. In order to hear our music and dance we would frequent straight places and not be able to dance with each other! I became very frustrated, and hence Exilio was created.
Loyalty: Exilio has moved home so many times and our customers have kept loyal to us, they follow us whereever we go and this sense of friendship and loyalty is what has kept the spirit alive.
The Exilio Sound: Resident DJG is a highlight of Exilio. She plays a mix that makes the crowd dance and have fun. People don’t stare at their surrounding waiting for something special to happen, the music transports you and magic happens, you’re having fun!
Hosts & Wedding Exilio’s gem is Lina, she makes everyone welcome. Lina recently married Exilio’s promoter and DJ Gloria. Now, Exilio is complete.
What do you think has kept Exilio going all these years?
Our passion, our commitment, our perseverance to keep the Latin spirit alive in London is what has kept us on the radar after 17 years. Exilio is not just a club, it’s a home for many Latinos living in the UK. Exilio gives us a sense of belonging. Exilio has been the voice of London’s LGBT Latinos for over 17 years. We have a strong following and a loyal crowd, Exilio is not just about the music, it’s a mix, a journey and experience and the beauty is, that it’s a new experience every time. Just make sure you are in the mood to dance, love, laugh, and have fun… Free your Latin spirit!
To somebody that hasn’t been to Exilio before, describe the vibe in 5 words…
Untameable Latin fever dance fun.
Is there a dress code?
Latinos are very much into fashion, looking after themselves and they like to dress to impress. So, you could say there is a dress code: dress to be undressed!
What’s the difference between Juanchito and Exilio?
The Latin genres are vast and Exilio takes these and makes a crossover Latin mix, hence Exilio plays salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, cumbia, electro Latino and some UK chart music, new, old and the classics. On the other hand JUANCHITO is for the serious SALSA lovers, again playing the new, the old, and classics of salsa plus an hour of party music called “La Hora Loca”.
• Exilio: Zodiac Party 18th Birthday Celebration is on Saturday 27th September at 1 Archway Close, N19 3TD, from 10pm-4am. £10 online, £12 before 12am, £15 after.
