Aphrodisiac, a new party for queer women and trans and non-binary folks, has officially landed in Dublin. Celebrating their debut party on Saturday, August 31, the event centres around Afrobeats, Dancehall, RnB and Ampaiano, blending these infectious genres with the incredible energy of LGBTQ+ spaces.

Following the success of their first event, the team at Aphrodisiac chatted to GCN about the new addition to Dublin’s nightlife scene.

Tell us about Aphrodisiac!
Aphrodisiac is a vibrant and inclusive women-loving-women (WLW) event designed to celebrate diversity within the queer community. The event centres around the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats, Dancehall, RnB and Amapiano, blending these genres with the incredible energy of queer spaces.

Why did you want to create this event?
Our vision was born out of the desire to create a safe, joyful environment where Afro-Caribbean music, queer identity, and community could merge—something we felt was missing. Typically, you might find a queer space or an Afro space, but rarely both in one. Aphrodisiac aims to fuse these experiences, making space for a dynamic intersection of culture, music, and queerness.

We wanted to diversify the queer entertainment scene. There’s a noticeable gap when it comes to certain genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, and RnB being played at queer events. We felt there was a need to bring this sound to the forefront, particularly for the Afro-Caribbean queer community, who may not always feel represented musically in other queer spaces.

We also wanted to create a safer space specifically for queer women, non-binary, and trans folks who may not feel as comfortable or welcomed in traditional nightlife environments. It was essential for us to build a space where our community feels seen, celebrated, and able to express themselves freely.

 

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Who is this event for?
Aphrodisiac is primarily for queer women, non-binary people, and trans folks, but it’s open to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community who resonates with the vibe we’re creating. While our music focus is Afro/Caribbean (Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, etc.), we invite all WLW to join, regardless of background. It’s about coming together to celebrate, dance, and connect over a shared love of music and community.

What can attendees expect?
Attendees can expect an unforgettable night full of good vibes, amazing music, and a welcoming atmosphere. We feature a range of diverse genres all curated by top DJs who know how to keep the energy flowing.

But it’s more than just a party—Aphrodisiac is a chance for people to connect, make new friends, and feel part of something bigger. We even set up a group chat for solo attendees, so people coming alone could connect with others ahead of the event, making sure no one feels left out or nervous about showing up by themselves.

How was the debut party?
The debut was incredible and exceeded our expectations. The energy was vibrant and heartwarming—we had people travel from all over Ireland just to be there, which made it feel even more special.

Seeing everyone on the dance floor, singing along to their favourite tracks, and meeting new friends was exactly the atmosphere we aimed to create. The turnout was strong, and it solidified that there is a real demand for spaces like this in Dublin. It was a night filled with joy, dancing, and celebration.

 

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What can people look forward to in the future from Aphrodisiac?
We’re already looking ahead to bigger and better things! In the future, attendees can expect larger venues to accommodate more people, even greater energy, and more DJs on our lineups to keep the music flowing all night long. We’re committed to continuing to grow and evolve Aphrodisiac into an event that people will look forward to time and time again.

To stay up to date with Aphrodisiac and be the first to hear the news about their next party in Dublin, follow them on Instagram.