Oct 22
Queer DJ Honey Luv Ignites Global Dance Floors: The Rise of House Music’s Boldest New Voice
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
A New Wave in Queer House Music
In the last 30 days, few artists have captured the pulse of global queer nightlife like **Honey Luv**, the Cleveland-born, Los Angeles-based DJ and producer who’s become a beacon for Black queer visibility in electronic music. On October 5, Honey Luv launched her new EP “Serotonin High” at Berlin’s iconic Berghain nightclub—a venue legendary for its LGBTQ+ roots and uncompromising celebration of freedom. The sold-out show marked the kickoff of a European tour, with stops in Paris, London, and Amsterdam, all met with critical acclaim and vibrant crowds that reflected the diversity of the contemporary queer community .
From U.S. Navy to Global DJ: Honey Luv’s Journey
Honey Luv, born Taylor Character, came to music after a stint in the U.S. Navy and a collegiate basketball career—a trajectory that’s as nontraditional as it is inspiring. She quickly rose through the ranks of Los Angeles’ underground queer scene, becoming known for her infectious sets that blend classic Chicago house, disco, and cutting-edge techno. Her 2025 EP, “Serotonin High,” features collaborations with queer vocalists and pays homage to the Black and Latinx pioneers of house music, a genre with deep LGBTQ+ roots .
In a recent interview, Honey Luv emphasized the importance of creating spaces where all LGBTQ+ identities feel welcome: “House music started as a safe space for our community, and it’s still about celebrating who you are—loudly, openly, and on your own terms” .
Style, Substance, and Queer Self-Expression
Honey Luv’s impact isn’t limited to her music. Her fashion—mixing oversized blazers, neon mesh, and chunky boots—embodies the “dressing for the female gaze” philosophy that’s dominating queer style in 2025. This look rejects hypersexualized, heteronormative expectations, instead prioritizing comfort, authenticity, and individuality .
On stage, she often sports bold makeup and statement accessories, channeling the spirit of queer icons past and present—from disco trailblazers like Sylvester to today’s hyperfeminine and androgynous fashion innovators. At her Berlin launch party, Honey Luv wore a custom jacket with LED accents, a nod to the techno-fashion fusion now popular in queer club circles .
Community Rituals: Dance Floors as Liberation
Honey Luv’s performances are more than parties—they are acts of collective liberation. Her shows often begin with a “moment of gratitude,” during which she invites the crowd to honor queer elders and the Black and Latinx trans women who helped build house music from the ground up. These rituals reinforce a sense of community and continuity, reminding attendees that every beat is an act of queer resistance and joy .
This ethos has inspired a wave of mutual aid and solidarity projects tied to her tour. At each stop, Honey Luv partners with local LGBTQ+ organizations, donating a portion of ticket sales to trans health initiatives and grassroots nightlife collectives. In Amsterdam, she led a panel on safe spaces in club culture, amplifying the voices of trans and nonbinary DJs from across Europe .
The Future: Global Impact and Radical Inclusion
Honey Luv’s ascent comes at a time when queer nightlife is reclaiming its political roots, rejecting “rainbow capitalism” in favor of DIY events, direct support of LGBTQ+ artists, and an uncompromising insistence on intersectionality . Her success is a testament to the power of visibility and representation—not just for Black queer women in music, but for everyone who finds freedom and family on the dance floor.
As she prepares for her upcoming set at the London Queer Music Festival on October 28, Honey Luv remains committed to her message: “We have always been here, and our music—our joy—is revolutionary.”
