How to build a Queer Nation

Promoter Patrick Lilley talks about the biggest influences that created Queer Nation, one of London’s longest running regular club nights that celebrates its 24th birthday this weekend…

 

Queer Nation was influenced by Queer Nation… a direct action group in the USA 1990. When on holiday in San Francisco I nicked their flyer. A friend called Space drew placards and filled it with the DJs names and prices on. I attended a QN group meeting in LA. They asked me what I did. I mumbled Queer Nation London. An arch queen followed me out and said, “I know about you. My friend Jerry Mills comic artist drew the art you used!” I nearly died. “And he is seriously ill and he has seen what you have done.” I just waited for the ground to open up and swallow me. “He just LOVES what you have done with it!”

What are the Queer Nation musical influences?
The resident DJs chose the sounds not me. Luke Howard and Princess Julia at the Gardening Club in 1990–97. Supadon, Franceso and Jeffrey Hinton at Substation and since then Supadon and Mista Pierre. QN, unlike most gay UK clubs except Horse Meat Disco, books top US DJs like Frankie Knucles, Francois Kervorkian, Masters at Work all of whom personally asked to play for us.

New York’s Paradise Garage (1977-87) paved the way for Queer Nation, which opened in 1990, in terms of uptempo soul music. I went to the Garage in ‘86 and I couldn’t persuade anyone to go with me, it was not so hip then. It was an amazing, but I didn’t consciously set out to recreate a “garage” night. I’d already done one with Norman Jay called High on Hope and had Chaka and Loleatta played for me. It just happened. I am actually co-hosting a HIV charity fundraiser night called A Night In Paradise (at the Ministry of Sound, Sunday 30th November) with Adam Newsome, Horse Meat Disco and Handsome and bevvy of top American DJs include Danny Krevit, David Depino and more for Gay Mens Health Crisis and THT. I met the ‘Garage owner at the Queer Nation event in Paris in early 90s when I was drunk. I literally got on my knees and kissed his feet. We became friends and he came to the club often staying to the end of the night dancing ‘til into his seventies! He’d bring four t-shirts to change into over the night. He died six years ago in January 2008, aged 73 having caught HIV in his seventies.

How do you choose the venues?
Venus chose us. We started on a Sunday with 65 people at the Gardening Club in 1990. It has enjoyed some great residencies especially The Joiners Arms, Substation South, Crash/Union and Barcode. Heaven ‘s David Inches said to me. “DJs are ten a penny but good staff are hard to find.” I’d amend that and say, “A great doorman is worth 10 DJs.” I give special props to ‘Big Daddy’ Leroy King who is the first person you will meet at you arrive at Barcode on Saturday night for our 24th Birthday.”

“Queer Nation is about sound not colour”

The most frequently asked question: “Is Queer Nation a black club?”
Queer Nation is about sound not colour. All are welcome. I have won awards for being ‘Best Black & Ethnic Minority’ club and I never declined it! But it’s a bit like being called gay if you are bi? What do you do? Sue them?  We are an all-nations club. Studio 54 DJ Kenny Carpenter summed it up when asked about Queer Nation’s longevity, he said, “I think QN parties have endured so long mainly because of the people and the music. The second reason may be the name itself. It’s always had a warm welcoming feeling about it.”

• Queer Nation #24 is at Barcode (69 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE1 7TP) on Saturday 22nd November. It also hosts the VIP room at Urban World Winter Ball at the Scala January 2015.

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