Teddy Edwardes is the promoter making space for women in London nightlife

LICK is the new weekly night for queer womxn, scheduled to kick off in Vauxhall.

Its founder Teddy Edwardes started it because she was frustrated with the lack of stuff for gay girls out there.

We grabbed her for a chat and talked pride parties, gay male misogyny and what’s like for gay girls on the scene today.

Hey Teddy! Describe yourself in three gorgeous words.

Honest, impulsive and gay AF. 

What are you doing right now? Describe what’s around you and what’s on your mind.

Right now I’m in Cornwall with my family celebrating something called Feast Week, it’s a lot of food and drinking and my girlfriend and friends are currently driving down from London to join me.

For those not in the know – what’s the scene like in London for queer women right now?

It’s getting better because of private events, but it’s still almost non-existent. That’s going to change very soon though!

Why is it important to have spaces for queer women?

It’s important for queer women to have spaces because there doesn’t tend to be room for us in gay bars. Lots don’t like to let women in because of out-of-date stereotypes.

Do you think the gay scene has issues with misogyny?

Definitely. Gay bars think that we cause trouble and don’t spend money, which is a notion I’m really working hard on trying to eradicate because it couldn’t be further from the truth! 

How did LICK come about?

LICK originally started because London’s only lesbian bar sacked me, I was so annoyed with them that I decided to start a night on the same night of the week at the bar across the road and called it C U Next Tuesday!

What are your thoughts on Pride?

Pride in general is obviously great for awareness but I find London pride quite disappointing, it’s still seriously lacking diversity and seems to be becoming more and more about capitalism. UK black pride is fantastic though! 

There are always conversations about big corporations and pop stars like Taylor Swift cashing in – what do you think about that?

I think if LGBTQ+ people are benefiting from what they’re doing then great, but major corporations selling pride merch to make more money for themselves is disgusting. 

What makes you Proud?

I feel proud when I hear that my events have positively affected peoples lives. Whether that’s relationships forming, friendships, people coming out… It makes me proud to know I made a difference to someone. 

Are you gonna be in the parade this year?

Unfortunately not! I was going to go on the Mental Health Awareness float but it clashes with when I have to be setting up the venue.

What can we expect from LICK?

2000 girls, 4 arches of music, guaranteed good atmosphere and the best night of your life! 

And finally (we ask all our interviewees this) what’s you go-to HANGOVER MEAL of choice?

Triple sausage and egg Mcmuffin but I’m gluten intolerant so I use two hash brown as the sandwich – healthy! 

Follow LICK on Twitter @lickevents

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