Pump up the rainbow: Asia’s queer scene is dancing with intent

Dance music and Pride have always shared an unspoken bond; one rooted in resistance, self-expression, and joy.

From the early days of disco and house, which offered sanctuary to queer communities in underground clubs, to today’s global festival stages where inclusivity is loudly celebrated, dance music has long been a space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be seen and heard.

As Pride has evolved from protest to celebration, so too has the dance music world stepped up as an ally and amplifier of queer voices.

Today, Pride transcends nightlife. It shapes how festivals are programmed, how artists advocate, and how communities come together across borders.

DJs like Honey Dijon, Eris Drew, Octo Octa, SHERELLE and Midland have long championed queer liberation both behind the decks and beyond. Even mainstream icons like Lady Gaga and Sade continue to push for visibility, proving that the intersection of music and LGBTQIA+ values has global reach.

In Asia, the rhythm of change is undeniable.

While challenges remain, more countries and cities are opening up; embracing the spirit of Pride not only through marches but through cultural experiences, nightlife, and festivals.

Pride Month across Asia is more than rainbow lights and dancefloor euphoria; it’s about reclaiming space, building community, and celebrating queerness in all its forms. We see it manifesting in powerful ways; through soundsystems and dancefloors, open conversations and shared experiences.

Here’s a look at some of the Pride-related events happening across the region, along with perspectives from the organisers on how they combine celebration with purpose.

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

Vera 'Baby Won’t You Dance With Me'


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement; especially during Pride month and in Singapore?

Sound is at the forefront of all events I organise. Meaningful statements can be made through music, and I am not good with words, that's why I love organising / DJing so much. Just by curating the sound, you can bring like-minded people together, it’s magical how you’re always guaranteed to find your community by following the music you love. So to answer your question, I balance it by putting in the work to the party itself in the form of sound curation, production/set up, creating opportunities for queer artists and making it accessible for everyone.

That is why floorplay’s statement is simple: “a queer paradise for all”. When we say for all, we mean it. That is all I have to say in words; everything else will be felt at the party :)


Why should people come to your event on June 13?

The whole concept of floorplay is to let individuals experience the night as they want it to be. As long as you’re respectful to the people and venue, anything goes. Want to be cheeky and social? Sure! Want to just bask in the presence of the beautiful people in your own space? Absolutely!

RASA has top tier soundsystems. Headlining the event will be Jason Kendig, if you don’t already know him do a quick research, he has been an influential figure in the international queer party scene for the past two decades. You will also get to experience an array of sounds with acts from talented local artists like Halia from Revision, 2504 from 5210pm, DJ Sam and Mr Legume, DJ KFC and Hookstyle.

Soul Collective, an iconic funk style dance collective will also be gracing the dancefloor. What’s not to love?

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

Dorian Electra ‘Sorry Bro (I Love You)’


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement; especially during Pride month?

We believe that every party we throw should be intrinsically a celebration of queerness; our statement is and always will be creating safe events for queers, femmes and allies alike! What matters to us is when women and queers feel comfortable to take up space and express themselves, that to us means much more than hosting a good party!


Why should people come to your event on June 13 in Saigon?

Panic Library is calling out to the outcasts, introverts, freaks and geeks that don’t fit in, punks and ravers to come experience our unrelenting sounds of deconstructed club and hard music! Everyone is welcome, except no assholes allowed :)

This event is also held in collaboration with Dismal.

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

It has to be Shay Shaz's 'Polari Pansy Edit' of Freddie Mercury's ‘Living On My Own’. Shay is a Paris-based queer producer known for high-voltage house and sweaty, euphoric dancefloors. The edit is part of the Polari Pansy Edits series, where each track celebrates an LGBTQIA+ icon. This one honors Freddie Mercury, a fearless queer icon and a symbol of strength during the AIDS crisis. The track has that perfect energy, and the entire project is grounded in community history and celebration.


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement; especially during Pride month?

At FOMOHOMO, our mission has always been about normalising queerness in shared spaces. This is especially important to us in dance music, where queer communities have always been a driving and founding force. That's why this collaboration with Manifest Parties is so meaningful. Their founder, Mary, is a staunch ally, and working together is how we build bridges and create truly liberating spaces. We're aiming for that magic you feel when you're dancing next to someone completely different from you, sharing in the joy and variety of identities on the floor, all unified by the music.

So for us, the balance comes from that intention. It’s in our partnerships, our diverse line-ups, and in donating a portion of our proceeds directly to vital causes like The T Project and Pink Dot SG. For us, that feeling of togetherness is the statement.


Why should people come to your event on June 14?

Because this party is for everyone who believes in allyship as an action. We believe everyone is an ally to someone marginalised in their life: the straight person to their gay bestie, the gay man to his trans friend. This party is for all of us to come together.

It’s not a gay man only party or queer-only party; it’s a truly liberal, shared space. A beautiful dance mixer where the unifying factor is the music and the vibe. At this party, allyship isn't lip service. Every single entry contributes directly to vital gay and trans causes through The T Project and Pink Dot SG. It’s a proper community party with purpose.

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

Pansy#05 'Prove Your Love - Keep Me In The Light Edit'Prove Your Love - Keep Me In The Light Edit


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement; especially during Pride month?

In the changing world of LGBTQ+ rights around the world, celebrating Pride in Bangkok feels more important than ever. It's a time where people can come together and celebrate that community especially in a region where progress and setbacks often coexist. At Bangkok Community Radio, we believe deeply in the role that cultural platforms play in shaping awareness and connection.

For this event we've partnered with NON NON NON to curate programming that both celebrates and amplifies queer voices, with a line-up that includes LGBTQ+ acts from across the region. As a collective, we know the balance between throwing a good party and making a statement isn't something that is always given and demands continuous input from the community and a commitment to reflection and to hear everyone's voice.


Why should people come to your event on June 14?

Because this isn’t just another typical party in Bangkok, it’s a celebration. We’ve curated a line-up that spans genres, identities, and borders, featuring standout queer talent from across the region. Expect electrifying DJ sets from Manikk and Ani Phoebe, amazing curation from NON NON NON and even a vibrant drag performance from Srirasha Hotsauce and Gigi Ferocious!

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

Mayhem! We're still obsessed after seeing Lady Gaga’s concert in Singapore!


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement, especially during Pride month?

God knows what happens tomorrow! We live in a wild world now—don’t think too much, just dance and enjoy the moment!


Why should people come to your event in Hong Kong on June 14?

Because we have the cutest crowd! Haha!

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

- JIALING 'FREAKY HORNS'
- Shanti Celeste 'Ice Cream Dream Boy (K-Lone Creamix)'
- Peaches 'CLOSE UP' ft. Kim Gordon


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement; especially during Pride month?

Queer Dance Wave is the sibling project of NON NON NON—created to expand our reach to more people who are curious about electronic music and underground queer culture. It’s a groovy, social night where music and community meet.

We balance a good party with a meaningful statement by making space for all genders and backgrounds, especially during Pride month. This isn’t just a celebration — it’s a platform. We highlight regional queer artists, extend the hours to cover sunset until late, and curate sounds across genres: from queer anthems, disco, and house to breaks, broken beats, dub techno, electronica, and beyond.


Why should people come to your event on June 21?

It’s not just about dancing—it’s about gathering, connecting, and growing the scene together <3

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

‘Heroina’ by La Joaqui and Sevdaliza. Off with the patriarchy, and in with reclaiming our power as femmes in society. This song is pure girlie power and bad-assery.


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement; especially during Pride month?

MÖTH AGENCY parties are political as fuck and we're never shy of screaming it out loud. It's reflected in our line-up, our messaging, the team we work with, and the way we NEVER choose money/clout over our people and their well-being. Pride has never been more about being loud and reclaiming our bodies than it is now. TRANS LIVES MATTER.

If you are a queer party that doesn't firmly stand on politics and values, you're not really a queer party and you're a fake. Period.


Why should people come to your event on June 21?

MÖTH AGENCY is a safe haven for the alternative femmes and queers. We are a femme army fuelled by 100% kxnt and kxndess. It's never about being cool, and always about being nice, don't let them fool you. Come join our family through our events where you'll be welcomed with open arms!

Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

Probably 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga; a timeless anthem promoting self-acceptance and authenticity.


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement; especially during Pride month?

1) Supporting local voices: One of BÀ's featured DJs is a talented queer artist (Reuben) deeply connected to the local Trans community/association (QuarksHK). By inviting them to perform, we're amplifying marginalised voices and creating a platform for representation.

2) Giving back: In honour of our commitment to social responsibility, a portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local Trans association. We also want to offer them a guest list for the night, ensuring their presence is felt and celebrated in our event. Our guest list reflects our dedication to equality—while prioritising female attendees, we embrace all genders, including trans, non-binary, lesbian, and femme identities. We are committed to fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

3) Collaboration with Sassy Hong Kong: Partnering with Sassy Hong Kong magazine not only helps promote our event on their platform but also symbolises our shared values of empowerment and community building. Our event listing with their logos reinforces our collective commitment to supporting diversity in Hong Kong.


Why should people come to your event on June 30?

- Celebrate Diversity: Our event promotes acceptance, inclusivity, and equality, creating a safe space where everyone can feel welcome and celebrated.

- Support Local Talent: Featuring a talented queer DJ and local artists gives attendees the chance to enjoy unique performances while supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

- Cause with a Purpose: By attending, guests contribute to a greater cause, helping fund a local Trans association and making a tangible difference in the community.

- Connect with Like-Minded People: The event fosters connections among individuals who share values of acceptance, creating friendships and networking opportunities.

- Engagement with Culture: Guests will experience the vibrant techno scene in a high-energy underground club, immersing themselves in an exhilarating atmosphere.

- Empower Gender Inclusivity: Emphasising egality for all genders, your event champions inclusion, allowing attendees to engage with diverse identities and perspectives.

- Meaningful Partnerships: Collaborating with Sassy Hong Kong magazine boosts credibility and visibility, showcasing a commitment to promoting inclusivity and community support.

- Fun and Excitement: With electrifying music, a vibrant atmosphere, and the thrill of the underground scene, guests are guaranteed a fantastic night filled with fun!

Naarm-based party series CLUBHAUS is coming to Asia for the first time this August, with shows currently lined up in Singapore and Bangkok, with more in the works.


Share with us your quintessential Pride anthem for 2025!

Haus of Ralph: ‘Miss You Much’ by Janet Jackson. That music video! But also RuPaul’s Drag Race AS6 Ep 2 — Ra’Jah O’Hara vs Brooke Lynn Hytes. IYKYK.

Cristal No.5: My forever track ‘Torn - Natalie Imbruglia’.


How do you balance throwing a good party with making a meaningful statement, especially during Pride month?

For us, the two go hand in hand. CLUBHAUS was created to fill a gap: to celebrate ESEA sounds and carve out safer spaces for QTBIPOC. “Asian nights” in so-called Australia are rarely queer-friendly, and queer spaces rarely play the sounds we grew up with. So we built something that holds both.

Every line-up, venue choice and collaboration is intentional. Pride or not, we prioritise joy, safety and expression. It’s always more than just a party. It’s about who gets to be seen, heard and take up space.


Why should people come to your events in August?

If you want to let go and surrender to the music, dance like no one’s watching, and be surrounded by a crowd that feels like chosen family—this is where you need to be. We’re excited to bring CLUBHAUS back to Asia for the first time and connect with the wider community across the region. We’re showing off our culture and showing up with intention. Need no permission.