The UK's 5 finest LGBTQ+ DJs
February is LGBTQ+ History Month – and as part of the celebrations, we wanted to shine a light on some of the amazing DJs hailing from the LGBTQ+ community whom we love and support.
Our chosen 5 talents have gone above and beyond just spinning tracks – they have helped shape and lead the culture through their own club nights, radio shows and even festivals.
Innovators, creators, and brilliant selectors – if you don’t know these guys yet, get to know now…
Jay Jay Revlon
Born and raised in Peckham, South London, Jay Jay Revlon wears many hats. His main focuses are curating events, DJing, Ballroom (voguing) and mentoring. Listed as Time Out’s ‘One to Watch’, Jay Jay is a committed community activist – dedicated to creating safe spaces and conversations for QPOC and LGBTQ+.
He does this through his own club night Let’s Have a Kiki #theparty, and as a volunteer peer-to-peer mentor at Stonewall Housing. Throughout his career, his events have raised money for many charity organisations with whom he continues to work and support.
From leading workshops at Tate Britain, to bringing his inclusive flare to Brighton Pride, he is a frequent collaborator with LGBTQ+ artists such as Honey Dijon and Years & Years. Jay Jay’s love for dance, voguing and DJing has taken him around the UK and Europe as a major force in the dance music world.
A hugely in-demand DJ, Jay Jay’s talent behind the decks has seen him play up and down the UK, on the festival circuit and internationally – bringing his signature mix of House, Afro House, Classics and Ballroom beats.
As well as having his own Boiler Room set, his credits include spinning for Rinse FM, Fabric, The Royal Academy, National Portrait Gallery and Bussey Building – as well as playing for brands such as Levi’s, G-Star, JW Anderson’s LFW Afterparty, and many more.
Ellie Prohan
Hailing from West London, ELLIE PROHAN has fast cemented her name in the industry. Raised in a single mother Persian household, Ellie outplayed the odds by coming out with her sexuality – then pursued her dream of being an International DJ. In a short span, Ellie has organised charity events for world mental health day, started a club night for the LGBTQIA+ community, created a series of DJ showcase nights, and started her own cultural discovery show ‘Eat, Dance, Discover’.
Ellie’s energy and charismatic personality makes her perfect for presenting – having interviewed the likes of Ari Lennox, Stefflon Don, Shaggy and Snoh Aalegra, as well as hosting the primetime ‘Happy Hour’ show on award-winning female led station Foundation FM. Since then, Ellie’s career has leapt forward, with her becoming a cemented tastemaker in the scene and hosting her own Tuesday weekly specialist show on Kiss FM (11pm-1am).
Ellie’s DJing has captivated crowds from London to New York, as well as an impressive festival circuit. She is championed by brands such as Nike, Milk Make up, JD, Bumble, Puma and Flannels to name a few.
You can hear Ellie live as one of the voices to The Apple Music 1 List show out of the London studios. The show brings The Apple Music’s 1 List playlist to life, and showcases the world’s best new music.
As a highly talented gay middle eastern woman, being an active representation within the music and entertainment industry is of upmost important to Ellie. As her ambitious career continues to grow from strength to strength, Ellie Prohan is one to watch…
Mark-Ashley Dupé
Born & raised in Peckham, Mark-Ashley Dupe started off as a vibrant member of the East London club scene aged 18. His love for music and dancing soon caught the eyes of local promotors, who began to book him as a party host between the Shoreditch, Central & Vauxhall gay club scenes.
It wasn't long before he was offered the opportunity to start his own event, giving birth to his signature party Dupé's Den, which opened up opportunities to work alongside a plethora of notable events – from Lovebox, Bestival, Notting Hill Carnival; to London, Birmingham & Brighton Prides – and with artists including Ms Dynamite, Mike Skinner, Boy George and Lady Leshurr.
Beyond throwing fierce parties, Mark can be found hosting a variety of podcast and radio shows, in addition to public speeches – all built around raising the platform of the queer black scene. Driven to be the face and voice for upcoming youngsters, it’s something he felt he didn't have growing up.
During national lockdown, Mark was approached by B-E-A-M to join the collective as an Instagram Live host. He chatted weekly to guests about life under lockdown and mental health topics, all whilst shining a light on Queer People of Colour for 12 weeks. This led to him being approached by both Threads Radio & Foundation FM with the offer of a monthly slot on both stations – and, most recently, the launch of his weekly drive time show on EXT Radio It’s a M-A.D Ting.
DJing and promoting for over 10 years now, the Prince of Peckham (as he’s been dubbed), has been playing and throwing parties for the last decade; from his signature events – Dupé’s Den & Misfits LONDON – to his latest venture Jungle Kitty (a QPOC event) at Dalston Superstore. With residencies at Heaven, Dollar Baby and more, he never fails to light up the dance floor.
Known for his effortless mash-ups of R&B, Afrobeats, Dancehall & Reggaeton, Mark-Ashley always brings the party – makes you break a sweat and consistently leaves people asking for more. If his name is on the event, you sure as hell don’t want to miss it!”
Jordss
Jordss is a London-based DJ and radio host on Rinse FM. Named 'Queen of R&B edits' by Boiler Room, Jordss is known for playing recognisable favourites with a twist – and is never scared to throw in a curveball or three.
As a third generation Jamaican growing up in London, Jordss draws influences from her Caribbean roots blended with gritty London Garage beats and an undying love of R&B. Put those 3 things in a pot and you get a Jordss mix.
Jordss is also founder of Girls Can't DJ – a community and database made to eradicate gender imbalance in the DJing profession, by encouraging women to learn how to DJ and promoting existing female talent.
Chris Jammer
Born and raised in London, Chris Jammer has always had a love for music and party culture. He was instrumental in bringing the sounds of Dancehall, Afrobeats, RnB & Grime to Cambridge – where he studied at university – through the weekly Creem events, which soon turned into Strawberries & Creem festival.
Before coming out officially to most of his friends and family, Chris was a successful promoter on the London queer club scene – working across the capital’s hottest nights at the time.
He only recently took up a place behind the decks, but has quickly established himself as a versatile multi-genre DJ – covering everything from old school Hip Hop, to Dancehall, to Afro House. His taste in music is almost as eclectic as Strawberries & Creem’s, so expect a flavour of the festival in his sets.