The next edition of Dyke Nite takes place on Saturday, 23 May at 21:00 at Bar 22, Reykjavík. A night for women and non-binary people, where the energy is soft, elegant and unforgettable. Dyke Nite Reykjavík is a recurring club event created for lesbians, non-binary and trans people, a space that, according to its founder, was simply missing from Reykjavík’s queer scene. Behind the project is Linda Anderson, a DJ and organizer who set out to fill that gap: not […] The post “You’re Allowed to Be Exactly Who You Are” – Inside Dyke Nite Reykjavík appeared first on GayIceland.
The next edition of Dyke Nite takes place on Saturday, 23 May at 21:00 at Bar 22, Reykjavík. A night for women and non-binary people, where the energy is soft, elegant and unforgettable.
Dyke Nite Reykjavík is a recurring club event created for lesbians, non-binary and trans people, a space that, according to its founder, was simply missing from Reykjavík’s queer scene. Behind the project is Linda Anderson, a DJ and organizer who set out to fill that gap: not just with a party, but with an intentionally built community. We spoke with her about where the idea came from, how music creates a sense of safety and belonging, and why dedicated spaces still matter even in one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world.
How did the idea for Dyke Nite in Reykjavík begin, and what was missing for you on the Icelandic queer scene before it existed?
“The idea goes back quite a long time, even before the name existed. When I started revisiting it more seriously, I began asking myself what was missing from Reykjavík’s queer scene, who didn’t fully fit into existing spaces, and what kind of community needed more room.
It became very clear that there was a lack of dedicated nightlife spaces for women, non-binary and trans people. Over the years, there have of course been many queer events and spaces for different groups, but I had rarely seen nightlife specifically centered around this community, outside of things like the historic lesbian scene.
Creating Dyke Nite was about opening up the scene and building a space where our community could gather, celebrate, connect and simply feel like the night was made with us in mind.”
Dyke Nite quickly became more than just a club night. What kind of community were you hoping to create around it?
“From the beginning, I hoped it would be a space where people could come together and feel safe being themselves. But the project has also evolved quite organically. I like experimenting, so I’ve been improvising along the way and exploring what more Dyke Nite can become.
Beyond the club nights, I’m also interested in creating opportunities for queer artists and talent. I’ve been working with DJs and building different kinds of events, while also opening some spaces up to a broader mixed audience.
There are Dyke Night communities all over the world, and I want to give a shoutout to everyone creating those spaces. What I want for Reykjavík is the same thing: a place where people who are looking for that feeling of being seen and of belonging know they can find it.”
I’ve been overwhelmed by the support, the participation and the love people have shown towards the project. From the very beginning, people really showed up for it, and I don’t take that for granted.
Reykjavík is often seen as a very open and safe place for LGBTQIA+ people. Do you think dedicated spaces are still necessary?
“Absolutely, without question. As a queer person, I personally feel very safe in Iceland. But I do think we’ve been feeling a certain backlash, maybe not in obvious or extreme ways, but in subtler ones. In the language people use, in public conversations, in the way queer people are talked about. Those things spread, and over time they shape the climate around us.
Creating dedicated spaces isn’t about separation. It’s about visibility and connection. One of the most important things we can do is keep showing up, keep talking to each other, keep creating events and keep building community together. Not just within the queer community, but with society as a whole.”
What was the reaction after the first editions? Was there anything that surprised you?
“Honestly, I’m still a little bit in shock. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support, the participation and the love people have shown towards the project. From the very beginning, people really showed up for it, and I don’t take that for granted.
One of the biggest surprises has been the people I’ve met: artists, collaborators, community members. That has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Seeing all of that come together has been really special.
That was always the dream: not that it would be “my” community, but that I could be part of creating and belonging to one. These nights only exist if people show up and make them what they are, and the response lately just makes me more excited for what’s next.”
Beyond the club nights, I’m also interested in creating opportunities for queer artists and talent. I’ve been working with DJs and building different kinds of events, while also opening some spaces up to a broader mixed audience.
As both a DJ and an organizer, how do you create the atmosphere? Can music help build a sense of safety and belonging?
“As a DJ, my job is always to read the crowd, understand the energy in the room and find the right vibe for that moment. A lot of that comes from experience. After many years of DJing, you start understanding how people respond and move through music.
I truly believe music makes everything better. It shapes the atmosphere, the emotion and the connection in a room. When the music fits the energy of the crowd, something special happens and it becomes a collaboration between the DJ, the room and the people in it.
As an organizer and host, I’m also very much the kind of person who’s on the microphone, talking to people and making everyone feel welcome. At the core of it, I care deeply about people feeling good, and I think that comes through in how the night feels.”
How do you see the queer scene in Iceland changing? Does it feel different today compared to a few years ago?
“Yes, definitely. When I first started working in nightlife, there were queer spaces and girls’ nights, but I don’t remember seeing events specifically bringing together women, non-binary and trans people the way we’re trying to do now. Creating a concept like this in Iceland is actually a pretty big step. We’re a small country, and there aren’t many people doing things like this.
The queer community is incredibly diverse, and I believe it’s important that we create space for all kinds of people and experiences, not just one version of queerness. We need visibility and open conversations, spaces that tell people: you’re allowed to be exactly who you are.
The queer community is incredibly diverse, and I believe it’s important that we create space for all kinds of people and experiences, not just one version of queerness. We need visibility and open conversations, spaces that tell people: you’re allowed to be exactly who you are.
That matters especially for people who are still figuring themselves out, or who don’t feel ready to come out yet. My hope is that through Dyke Nite and the conversations we’re creating, it becomes easier to talk about it, easier to feel seen and easier to feel less alone.”
What do you hope for the future of Dyke Nite? Do you want it to remain a local community event, or do you dream of expanding it?
“The most important thing for me is not necessarily whether it becomes bigger or stays smaller. What matters is that the core vision stays clear. We’ve already been exploring a lot: club nights, raves, DJ nights, creating platforms for women and queer DJs to perform and be seen. I want to keep developing that.
Iceland is a small scene, so staying grounded in the original purpose is important. But I do love building things and making them more visible, so yes, I’d love to keep expanding and collaborating. So much of what Dyke Nite has become is thanks to the incredible people who have supported it along the way.
Dyke Nite is here to stay, and honestly, so am I.”
What to expect at Dyke Nite 4.0: In Dykes We Trust, Saturday May 23rd?
Expect a cocktail reception atmosphere, good music, dancing and a safe space to dance, flirt and exist freely.
DJ Linda Anderson will be hosting the night and taking care of the music all evening long, with a carefully selected mix.
The night also features model Monika DėringyTė for Dyke Nite 4.0.
Dress up. Show up. Bring your people.
The post “You’re Allowed to Be Exactly Who You Are” – Inside Dyke Nite Reykjavík appeared first on GayIceland.
