Heaps Gay 11th Birthday Party
Since its birth in 2013, Heaps Gay has created inclusive, safe, gloriously queer spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, the party is getting dialled up to 11.
Overview
Heaps Gay will be painting the town rainbow at a massive birthday bash that is sure to send shockwaves across the city. The festivities will feature three stages at White Bay Power Station in celebration not only of the LGTBQIA+ party starters' 11th birthday, but also love, joy, inclusivity and self-expression.
Heaps Gay found its humble beginnings at the Gladstone Hotel in 2013. "At the time, our queer space was super different, a lot more segregated," says founder Kat Dopper. "There were lesbian parties like girlthing and then clubs on Oxford Street that were primarily for gay men. I wanted to start a party that was super inclusive." In search of a space to make queer friends, Dopper started Heaps Gay with a focus on LGBTQIA+ music and art.
Eleven years on, Heaps Gay has thrown some of Sydney's most popular queer parties. Their 10th birthday bonanza was hosted on the shores of Sydney Harbour with Spice Girl Mel C as DJ, and past venues have included the Sydney Tower Eye and Powerhouse Museum. However, Dopper asserts this year's will be their most dynamic venue to date.
Once a functioning power station with a history going back more than a century, White Bay now plays home to major gatherings with takeovers from nightlife icons like Ministry of Sound. Now, it's Heaps Gay's turn. The industrial machinery and cavernous halls of White Bay Power Station are being given the ultimate makeover, complete with art installations to bring much needed colour to the brick structure.
Heaps Gay will also be bringing in the stars of the party world to turn up the tunes and keep the energy alive. Bimini – of Drag Race UK fame – will be joined by fellow Ru Girl Gottmik, with both DJing sets on the night; don't worry, you'll get to see them perform live as well. Other icons like Princess Superstar, Jaguar and Kim Ann Foxman will deliver sensational sets, and stick around for loads more Australian artists throughout the night.
White Bay Power Station wasn't enough for you? Heaps Gay will be throwing an afterparty at The Lord Gladstone, the original location of the long standing institution. Eleven years to the day, they will be recreating their first party with a sweaty dance floor, club vibes and cheap beer, all to a soundtrack of special DJ set from Bimini.
"I've been so lucky to create a space for the community for an entire decade," says Dopper. "I had the most amazing time and some wonderful experiences."
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