Riot Party is paving its own way as one of the most actively inclusive and considered kink spaces on the scene right now. I took a trip to their London event (they also host monthly parties and socials in Manchester) to explore the world of Riot Party magic and learn about their framework of prioritising QIPOC and sex workers (past and present) on the scene.
By BxSassy
Bethany Burgoyne is a fabulously fluffy, sassy writer, performer and multimedia producer providing educational entertainment for women and non-binary AFAB people. Having founded their own multimedia platform, The Sassy Show, in 2018, Bethany is on a mission to transform the portrayal of women and AFAB people within media, sharing personal narratives of womanhood, sexuality and self identity. They regularly speak on the topics of gendered appearance, sexuality, kink and reproductive health.
Rundown of Riot - what you need to know
- Dress to impress, honeys. As a kinky rave, one of the prerequisits is to abide by the dresscode. Think colour, sexy, kinky, lacey, latex, collared, cute - avoid jeans, daywear (tshirts etc) or anything that might be too casual. The reason for this is so everyone else at the party feels extra comfortable being their sassy selves. As a party, Riot welcomes creative and kinky self expression, so from sparkles and suspenders to corsets and chaps - find a way that makes YOU feel comfortable. But remember, no effort = no entry. If you’re needing more tips then check out Riot's Instagram page where they have an outfit guide.
- How is the venue? The party spans across a large and spacious ground floor, with ease of accessibility accommodating to those who may not be able to use stairs. There's a light and airy covered courtyard that functions as a social and chill space which is great for having chats and cuddles in. The playrooms are exceptionally well curated and organised. With a variety of equipment (including spanking benches, a cross, a swing and multiple soft padded beds) the monitors are hot on making sure those entering the space know what they intend to do and the best space to suit their needs. With a dark lit, steamy dancefloor and winding corridors to roam around, your sure to feel comfortable whatever you’re looking for.
- Busyness at the bar. As a party goes, this venue can accommodate a few hundred people plus. Since Riot’s launch party, they have limited the number of tickets to make sure it’s not over crowded which reflects their ethos of care. You’ve got a large main bar in the courtyard area that is well staffed and a monitored outdoor smoking area that is busy but doesn’t feel too packed. The queue outside of this discreet venue tends to be a steady stream so you’re never waiting too long and the staff are super friendly and hot on rule checking.
- Performance Power. With multiple acts throughout the event, you're guaranteed exceptional pole performances and general sassy stage vibes. Not only are the performers mega talented, they are experts in their field and deliver with raucous energy and unique style. From acts that involve cutting a teddybear in half to duo pole work, there’s something to keep your party full of surprises.
- Pros and cons. This is one of the most queer friendly, well organised events which is a massive benefit for anyone with additional neurodiverse needs or who has felt othered at more hetero kinky parties. The music isn’t techno so for someone like me who prefers a melody and a hiphop beat, this is a gamechanger. However, if you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate affair this might not be the party for you. Similarly, if you’re all about getting lost in a heaving, dark crowd and having a late night then a Sunday party might not be your jam.
My Riot Experience
In anticipation of heading to Riot Party I gathered with a group of queer girlfriends to don our most sassy outfits and exchange woops of encouragement for what this event would bring us. As a Sunday afternoon rave, the excitement of spending the last few hours of the weekend dancing with our booties out and connecting with like-minded souls was enough to get us galloping to the front of the venue. What followed was a joyful sequence of meeting smiling faces, letting loose on the dance floor and feeling safely liberated amongst people who were looking for an equally indulgent, caring time.
From the agreement you are asked to sign upon arrival, to the safeguarders and team members who are there to support and monitor the space Riot Party takes the safety of its space incredibly seriously. This structure is what lays the foundation for fabulous liberation to unravel. The dance floor is a fire pit of magic with iconic DJs spinning genres from dancehall, hiphop, strip hop, house, afrobeats and more. With a market of independent traders and a playroom catering to a range of different kinks, the organization and care that’s put into each aspect of this event makes you want to nourish every moment and individual who moves through the space. The selection of star quality performers showcasing exceptional talent and skills is mirrored by the energy and colourful nature of queer kinkster cheering them on. Truly this party has got everything you need to have an exceptional time.
What makes Riot Party so very different from other events is its founding manifesto to support QIPOC and sex workers (two priorities that are close to the organisers’ own hearts and lived experiences). The nature of kink parties mean that the sex-positive crowd and curiously kinky communities have space to explore, engage and liberate themselves. However, a sad reality is that these parties often lead to predominantly white crowds with little cultural awareness, where sex is celebrated but sex workers are not. The crossover between sex work and kink parties is a natural one, but when it’s come to representation and defending the communities who are at risk of legal, professional and personal support, parties have a tendency of remaining quiet. This is not the case for Riot Party who as a sex-worker led, intersectional, queer rave work closely with members of the SW community to make sure recognition and inclusivity are prioritised.
With sex workers experiencing censorship, shadow banning and a continual onslaught of having their accounts shut down, Riot Party is an essential form of activism through partying. The same goes for their thoughtful curation of QIPOC artists, DJ’s and performers, bringing some of the top talent into the room. The prioritisation of people who, in the majority of spaces are often marginalised or tokenised, is the remedy that Riot provides, making them stand out for their conscious awareness and dedication to changing the landscape of kink parties and representation.
Spending an evening at Riot Party and walking away rejuvenated by dancing, by experiencing an exceptionally caring playroom, and being invited into a space for communities to come together, form friendships and fulfill desires is the IDEAL way to enjoy a Sunday in London. If you’re a queer newbie to the scene or have yet to feel welcomed into a kinky community, then Riot Party is where you need to head for some soul nourishing, sassifying sexy time! If you're looking for a party that will deliver tune after tune, then Riot Party is for you. If you're looking for a space where ego's are left at the door and care takes centre stage then, guess what, Riot Party is the event for you.
Curious to make your own experience with Riot? Keep your eyes peeled on our event calendar for all upcoming parties!
JOYclub: What is that?
- With over 5 million members, JOYclub is a lively, sex-positive community that will turn your love life completely upside down.
- Whether you're male, female, trans, single or a couple, JOYclub is the place to discover and live out your erotic fantasies with other members (with your partner, if you like).
- Curious? Then register for free and without obligation and discover the fascinating JOYclub world. We are looking forward to meeting you!
