ARTIST and LGBTQIA+ advocate Paul Jatayna, one of the lead organizers of Philippines’ queer rave community Elephant, will speak on gender issues at the Sound City Conference on 28 April in Liverpool, England. 

Jatayna has been selected as one of the international delegates at the event and is expected to share his insights about Gender Balance and Inclusivity in International Territories. 

The conference is an opportunity for him to talk about the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community before a global audience, and to share the philosophy behind Elephant, which seeks to provide a safe space for all and to help marginalized artists in the drag and music scene. 

“It is important to me that I get to represent the queer community that I belong to and to raise awareness of the achievements and learning curves that we face –especially on the political and economic influence on queer nightlife psychology. I am also very keen to learn from other queer communities from other parts of the world and to understand how they customize and create their own safe space,” Jatayna said in a statement. 

Jatayna is supported by the British Council in his participation in the conference. 

“Equality, diversity and inclusion have always been part of the British Council’s values, and it’s fantastic that Paul will have the opportunity to share the stories of our LGBTQIA+ community to the rest of the world,” said Mich Dulce, British Council in the Philippines Head of Arts. 

Sound City Chief Operating Officer Jo Whitty said the group expects the speakers to leave a lasting impression on the music industry.

“With a shared passion for creating new business opportunities, advancing gender equality, and shaping a brighter future for generations to come, we are confident that their insights and expertise will leave an indelible mark on the music industry and inspire positive change for years to come,” Whitty said.

What the conference is all about

Sound City is the United Kingdom’s independent music conference. It has been at the forefront of the global music conference circuit for more than 15 years.

It has also been welcoming leading industry figures, emerging artists and aspiring music business professionals from across the world to its educational panels, discussions and networking parties.

The conference will take place alongside the 3-day Sound City Liverpool festivities from April 28 to 30. These events will feature local, national, and international emerging talents. 

Paul Jatayna’s Elephant 

Jatayna is an artist, promoter and an event organizer who grew up accustomed to queer nights in Manila. Together with his peers, he established Elephant as a weekly celebration which aims to break away from norms. 

Elephant basically offers endless opportunities for inclusivity and self-expression in themed nights. The themes include prom nights, BDSM prom nights, evening gown competitions the ‘80s, and many others. 

It is a place created by queer people for queer people, where they can dance, perform, and feel empowered.