Poppers, Pleasers and Honey Dijon: All you could dream of and more at LadyLand 2023
Stepping out of the uber, there was a slight breeze and a scent of rain in the air. I thought it would downpour at any moment. It was 10:15 pm, I had just taken an edible, and really didn’t want to be outside, let alone at a festival, but never the less, I was — ready for whatever the night would throw at me. The thirteen minute ride was a much needed moment of solace before what would be a night of dancing to ear-splitting music, skin-to-skin with other festival-goers and dodging people I didn't necessarily want to see.
Everyone pushed, shoved and plunged themselves into what looked like a scene straight out of Skins; the line extended far out past any of the actual performances. Pleasers, demonias, and new rocks splashed and splayed through the puddles in the muddy ground underfoot keeping festival-goers elevated enough to stay clear from any wardrobe mishaps. There were people (obviously) from Bushwick, millenial gays probably from midtown, and hair unicorns that made me think I landed at a radical fairy meet-up. Regardless of what kind of queer you were, you were there for the same thing, a place to feel radically accepted, beautiful and free — a place enlivened by a feminine sensibility.
Like the LadyLand festival, it was my first time under the K bridge and based on the first few glances (and "heyyys" from familiar faces in the line), I knew that it would be a weird fucking night, but at least it was one filled with good music. Upon arrival, I texted my old manager who told me she'd be there. She said she was where Big Freedia was about to perform. I went over to that stage and within minutes recognized my old manager on stage twerking with the Queen Diva herself. It was hysterical, iconic, and a foreshadowing of the night ahead.
The rest of the night was a rush — and not because it smelled like poppers everywhere, but with nearly 6,000 people underneath the bridge, the festival seemed especially transient. Ladyfag put together a roster of impressive artists like Honey Dijon, Peaches, Big Freedia, Gottmik, and Ms. Nina who graced the stage with iconic sets, igniting memories in the new location. For Ladyfag had always been a dream since the festival's inception. The electro-clash singer, famous for the provocative anthem "Fuck the Pain Away," embodies the rebellious spirit of LadyLand and everything it stands for. And of course, how could I forget the DJs — Memphy, Joselo and thelimitdoesnotexist, among others — in the other zones, who made it so that there was truly something for everyone.
I could go on and on blabbling about my first time at LadyLand but I’ve said enough. There’s a video below so see for yourself.
