Peckham Rising

February 3, 2014

Peckham is an area that’s vibrant, full of energy and boasts an increasingly healthy, attractive nightlife. Fuelled by the diverse community already living there and boostered by the art colleges of Camberwell and nearby university Goldsmiths, it’s fast becoming something of a mecca for all those wanting a free and encompassing atmosphere to enjoy. And as always with an area that mixes eclectism and acceptance into its prevailing ambience, the new and leftfield LGBT nights are arising there too. QX decided to get in on the action and find out what’s going down, over in SE15 …

By Patrick Cash

GAR«ONNE

The Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST

Jenny – Garçonne Founder

What is Garçonne?
Garçonne is a queer club night with live music and performances from primarily LGBTQ+ musicians, performers and artists alongside some unpretentious DJs who just want to make you dance. It’s an eclectic mixture, but by design rather than chance! It’s a night for anyone who identifies with the tag line “Girl. Boy. Other. All”.
Why did you bring it to Peckham?
Peckham has been my home for the last few years, and I wanted to establish something in the local community. It’s serendipity that the Bussey Building is also in Peckham; it’s such a brilliant space. Lots of people are calling Peckham the “new Hackney” or “Shoreditch of the South” but actually it’s not the “new” anything: it’s Peckham. There’s such a rich LGBTQ history in Southwark and Peckham just beneath the surface and it feels like this is becoming more visible.
What can we expect from the next event?
A lot of noise to wake you up from your January blues! Oli Spleen will be performing a diverse set of dark disco, ecstatic pop and raw punk tunes while Ashkelon will provide some viscerally compelling sound art adventures with haunted, processed vocals and abstract techno rhythms. The DJs will be playing upbeat stuff to get your feet moving, and a fantastic surprise guest will offer some hands-on art to anyone who wants to get involved!

The next Garçonne is on Thursday 30th January at 10pm.

www.facebook.com/garconnelondon

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

156 Wells Way, SE5 7SY

Antonio – Flying Dutchman manager

Tell us about The Flying Dutchman.
The Flying Dutchman was set up by Antonio together with a few close friends. The project was developed organically with a view to offer something different to the LGBTQ and art community. Fluidity and tolerance are keys in what we do. Fluidity in terms not only of gender or sexual orientation but also between art and social interactions; creativity and play; identity and self-exploration. It has been operating as an LGBTQ venue since September 2011.
What kind of arts nights do you put on at the venue?
The flagship art nights are Untouchable and Discharge. Both are dedicated to performing arts and are curated by great friends and artists Franko B and Martin O’Brien. Untouchable was launched as a fundraising event for the Southwark LGBT Network. The recent launch of Discharge on Saturday 16th of January with an event aptly named No-Pain-No-Gain was an extraordinary event.
Why did you think Peckham/Camberwell was a good area to have a LGBT venue?
We loved the progressive-multicultural atmosphere of the area and the important presence of artists and art students. The fact that it is – or was until a few years ago – one of the few affordable areas not too far from central London also played an important role.
What type of gay crowd do you get down at The Flying Dutchman?
It really depends on the event, but while we have plenty of “regular” gay events, I think we generally attract a gay crowd that is happy to cross the boundaries of queerness and to mix with other sexual identities and genders.

The Flying Dutchman will host ‘Rainbows Through The Lens’: a photo exhibition/multimedia installation on Thursday 30th January, which kicks off this year’s LGBT History Month in Southwark.

The Q+F Bar (Queer+Fetish Bar), London’s midweek play party, is on each Wednesday from 7pm to midnight.

www.flyingdutchmanlondon.com