Behind the Decks MPLS
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=0da8620db3374201] & YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333?sub_confirmation=1] “Trans joy is resistance,” says Dana Kazuko, founder of Gateway, Minneapolis’ underground, trans-centered nightclub, who joins Behind the Decks MPLS to reveal how discovering house music transformed her life after years of feeling disconnected from music entirely. In a meteoric journey from first hearing dance music just a few years ago to building a groundbreaking, secret-venue nightlife space, Dana shares how providing safety, joy, and community for trans and queer people is both her calling and a form of activism—especially at a time when so many trans folks are seeking refuge in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis. Dana describes Gateway’s evolution, from its mission-driven, word-of-mouth beginnings to monthly fundraising events and sensory-friendly spaces for those needing a break from the dance floor. She discusses the personal urgency driving her “speedrun” through DJing and promoting, the challenges and rewards of holding space for others, and why championing trans joy is both vital and radical in today’s climate. If you want to hear how one person channeled self-discovery into collective empowerment through music, and how dancefloors can become sites of resistance, heart, and healing, don’t miss this episode. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Te9RnDm_ovA [https://youtu.be/Te9RnDm_ovA] CATCH THE B2B: GUEST + Harry Duran YouTube: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/dana-kazuko-b2b-harry-duran [https://soundcloud.com/mpls-house/dana-kazuko-b2b-harry-duran] 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Create spaces that center trans joy—prioritize safe, inclusive events where everyone can express themselves freely. 2. Don’t wait for approval—start something meaningful now and speedrun your learning; every hour you invest accelerates your mastery. 3. Build community while you dance—combine fun with fundraising, resource sharing, and mutual aid to support those in need. 4. Embrace your unique sound—play what excites you, not just what impresses others; authenticity connects more than conformity. 5. Volunteer your strengths—community venues like Gateway are always seeking help, from editorial skills to health and safety support—step up and make a difference. MEMORABLE QUOTES > "I just started hearing dance music three and a half years ago, and I just started DJing not even two and a half years ago. But I’ve put so many hours into it that, even though it feels short on the calendar, I’ve probably put in as many hours as someone who’s done it much longer." > "Trans joy is resistance. Having this time when people are struggling and coming up with nothing, what can I do to make them feel free for a minute? That’s why dance and joy matter so much right now." > "I’m proud of what Gateway is because it’s not just a club—it’s a mission. We’ve raised a ton of money for worthy causes, and we’re really about creating a safe space where people can be free, even if it’s just for a night." CONNECT WITH DANA https://www.instagram.com/danakazuko/ [https://www.instagram.com/danakazuko/] https://www.facebook.com/dana.kazuko [https://www.facebook.com/dana.kazuko] June 20: TC Trans Mutual Aid Fundraiser at Gateway. June 25: Have Your Cake and Eat it too Pride Kickoff. June 25: Funk Liberation with Shaun J. Wright at Gateway CONNECT WITH US Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkPG6MJDADxPDad9Dkzg2ewN4Ry7BOnnL] Listen + Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba [https://open.spotify.com/show/0nuAdLB1RSemf51PCsTLba?si=ea696f6013d542ba] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-decks-mpls/id1868466897] MPLSHOUSE Website: https://www.mplshouse.com/ [https://www.mplshouse.com/] Instagram: http://instagram.com/mplshouse [http://instagram.com/mplshouse] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333 [https://www.youtube.com/@mplshouse3333] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse [https://www.threads.net/@mplshouse?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] Angel Sandro on Instagram: http://instagram.com/angelmsandro [http://instagram.com/angelmsandro] CREDITS Podcast Track ID: (Feel For Yuh) - Jeff Swiff feat. MPLSHOUSE on Real Feel Records https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004 [https://itstherealfeel.bandcamp.com/album/jeff-swiff-mplshouse-six-won-two-ep-rfr004 ] HOSTED BY HARRY DURAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats [https://www.instagram.com/djhdbeats] Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhd [https://soundcloud.com/djhd] 🎙️🎙️🎙️ Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast - https://fullcast.co [https://fullcast.co]
11 episodes
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