Queer Bruk: Celebrating Black and Brown queer joy on the dancefloor

Safety has long been a concern for queer people of color on the dancefloor. For Queer Bruk founder Akeil Onwukwe-Adamson, that reality became clear as a student navigating nightlife in Brighton – a city often known as the UK’s gay capital. While Brighton is known for being progressive when it comes to sexuality, conversations around race and representation have historically been less visible. For Akeil, being eighteen, queer and a person of color in a predominantly white environment came with its own set of challenges.

Years later, back in London – now understanding the intersectionality of his identities – Akeil was ready to enjoy the city’s nightlife. But one night at a dancehall event, he was attacked. This deeply personal and pivotal moment underscored how few spaces existed where Black and brown queer people could truly feel safe and celebrated. That experience inspired the creation of Queer Bruk which launched in 2018 with a clear mission: to create joyful, affirming spaces for queer people of color to dance freely and be fully themselves.

From the beginning, Queer Bruk has been about freedom of expression – a space where people can be as queer as they want to be, as Black as they want to be – however that looks to them. For the Queer Bruk team and those attending, watching rooms fill with Black bodies of all genders and identities, dancing without inhibition, has been one of the most powerful parts of the journey. The team recognizes the importance of what they’ve built – and they remain committed to holding space for those who seek community and safety.

Last year was a milestone for Queer Bruk as they featured in the British Library’s Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music exhibition – a proud moment for Akeil, made even more meaningful by seeing his Nigerian surname displayed in such a historic space. That same year, the collective brought their energy to Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Center and curated a program at Tate Modern – further cementing their place in UK nightlife and culture. 

After a year of major cultural moments, the collective felt it was time to return to their roots: the rave. In 2025, Queer Bruk is refocusing on the dancefloor – the very foundation the movement was built on. They hosted their first party since 2023 in Hoxton in March, with the next event locked in for June 20 in Hackney. These raves are more than just parties – they’re a continuation of Queer Bruk’s mission: to provide vibrant, affirming spaces where queer people of color can come together and feel like they truly belong.