It's no surprise that I'm hosting a party that proudly spotlights women, non-binary DJs, artists, and creatives from the SWANA and Latinx communities, many of whom are part of OR allied with the queer/trans communities. This doesn’t mean the party is exclusively for women- it is a very inclusive party for ALL genders and persuasions.
The venue,Bar Franca, right in the heart of downtown LA, is owned and operated by an Armenian-Iranian lesbian—a testament to my commitment to championing women and the #womenlifefreedom movement.
Why is this a big deal? Because even during the height of the current #womanlifefreedom movement based out of Iran (where I was born), there are very few spaces, events or curators who actively are creating platforms to amplify the voices of emerging and under-represented women creatives from the SWANA and Latin American regions-especially those who are immigrants/first generation and/or exist somewhere on the LGBTQI+ spectrum.
I highlight the word emerging bc these are the women who have not yet become huge social media influencers, who have not yet gotten major art or cultural organizations to fund, sponsor or represent them and so do not possess that shiny social currency that could catapult their career and their financial well-being.
I put myself squarely in that category, although at 50 years old and with 30 years of artistic, culinary, cultural and social justice activism and experience under my belt, I would hardly call myself an “emerging artist”.
I am more of an extremely seasoned and wildly under-represented and under-funded artist, designer, culture maker and event producer that is constantly being told I’ve just been “ahead of my time” with whatever I put out in the world.
As I prepare for the upcoming Aziz Amor party on Saturday, August 19, 2023, I'm reminded of the deep significance it holds for us all. It's more than a night of music, more than a vibrant display of artistic fusion; it's a rallying cry for diversity, representation, and creative freedom.
This gathering is a celebration of voices that often go unheard, of stories that remain untold. It’s an ode to the past, present, and future of the SWANA and Latinx communities, a dance of cultures, and a vibrant display of love and support for our talented women and non-binary creatives.
Join me at the next Aziz Amor on Saturday, August 19th, and let's light up the night with love, laughter, and the powerful magic of unity.
This will be the last free event as I believe I/we deserve to be compensated for creating these incredible gatherings. You can RSVP here
Spread the word, and let's create an unforgettable evening together. Because it's not just a party—it's a movement, and we need YOU to make it extraordinary.
