Founded during the Netherlands’ strict pandemic lockdowns, the party has now become a sanctuary for the city’s queer community
When you think of Ancient Greece, what comes to mind? Crumbling architecture? Head-scratching philosophy? Big marble statues? It’s probably not a queer rave in the middle of Amsterdam, but that didn’t stop Parrhesia from taking their name from the ancient language. Meaning to ‘speak openly or candidly’, the word is associated with our modern concept of freedom of speech, but also refers to a deeper obligation to tell the truth, even at the risk of personal danger. It was this freedom-seeking attitude that inspired Parrhesia’s founders to set up the night in the first place.
“The first edition happened in the midst of the COVID pandemic in 2022, and the Netherlands had implemented a night curfew,” says Ojo Ojo, Parrhesia co-founder and resident. “Anyone finding themselves outside on their way past the curfew could’ve been in serious trouble.” To combat these draconian rules, the Parrhesia community sought out a party location in the city’s central Rokin district, but made sure that they wouldn’t be rumbled. “The location was hidden on the top floor on the corner of the national cultural hotspot, Rokin – some consider it the heart of Amsterdam,” Ojo explains. “We thought it was impossible for the police to find the location that night – although the music was loudly heard from Central Station. The second edition the police sadly did find the hidden entrance – to our surprise they said that they would’ve joined us if they weren’t on the job!” The police didn't stop the party in the end.
From here, the party flourished, then graduated to other venues across the city, with the scene’s underground stars setting the vibe behind the DJ decks. Thanks to Parrhesia’s clandestine origins, however, you won’t find loads of videos of the party online, and they have since implemented a no picture policy on the dancefloor. Before that, the organisers allowed us to publish some furtive snaps taken by Max Van Der Voort, Nisa Ceylan and Ipek San of the best dressed partygoers, as “expressing ourselves through fashion” is an important part of the night, says Ojo.
On the dance floor, this self-expression was telegraphed through bondage-coded leather garments with blacked-out nipple tape, thick metal chokers and 00s wraparound shades, plus throwback studded belts and chain link metal hardware. Keeping in line with the party’s covert nature, incognito black was the shade du jour for a lot of the guests, but pops of colour came through in Ed Hardy jeans, a crocheted bralette and zebra print mesh. “Fashion, and style are essentially the outer layers of who we are as people,” said Ojo when asked about their perspective on the fashion in their community. “Fashion is amplified in club culture in general due to its fundamentally activist origin, and the fashion is therefore our statement.”
To see all of the best dressed ravers from queer night Parrhesia, scroll through our gallery above.