In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, it can still be a struggle for marginalized communities to find spaces that truly feel like their own. This is especially true for queer Latinas, who often find themselves navigating a nightlife scene that doesn’t cater to their musical tastes or prioritize their safety.
Enter Perreo NYC, a series of events founded by Isabela Buitrago (she/her) and her partner Sofia Pareja, dedicated to creating inclusive and empowering experiences for queer Latinas and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s really hard to tap into the Latina community that’s women-loving-women,” Isabela explains. “Most of the time, a lot of my friends who are queer Latinas, they like to go out, but they just felt like they didn’t play the kind of music that they listened to.”
This frustration with the prevailing soundscape in queer spaces, often dominated by pop and electronic music, ignited Isabela’s passion to create something different.
Perreo NYC’s events are a haven for those seeking the infectious energy of reggaeton and other Latinx genres, but they are much more than just parties. They are spaces intentionally crafted for queer Latinas, with an unwavering commitment to safety and respect.
Central to Perreo NYC’s ethos is the recognition of dance and music as forms of resistance, deeply embedded in Afro-Latinx history. “A lot of people don’t understand that these genres that they’re enjoying now were at some point…not allowed, they were looked down upon in our Latin American countries,” Isabela explains.
Genres like cumbia, salsa, and reggaeton, born from the experiences of African slaves and their descendants, carry within their rhythms the echoes of struggle and resilience. “For us, it’s very important to remember the roots of these genres.”
Perreo NYC’s events reclaim these rhythms, honoring their origins and celebrating their power to unite and uplift. By partnering with local Latinx-owned businesses and prioritizing queer Latinx artists and performers, they are fostering a thriving community and giving back to the people they serve.
Their commitment to social justice extends beyond the dance floor, with events ranging from protests for reproductive rights to intimate gatherings prioritizing creativity and queer joy like sip-and-paints and vision board workshops.
Isabela’s vision for Perreo NYC extends beyond the borders of New York City. She says. “it would just be amazing for queer women all over the world to come to New York to feel that safe haven we’re providing.”
With its dedication to inclusivity, safety, and social justice, Perreo NYC is carving out a vital space for queer Latinas in New York City and beyond. As Isabela and Sofia continue to grow their community, they are proving that nightlife can be a powerful platform for both celebration and resistance.
