By: Amber D. Dodd
To celebrate Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, the Task Force is highlighting transgender changemakers whose work uplifts and protects their community.
Today’s we celebrate DJ Dangerous Rose, a Black trans women who spun at this year’s Winter Party Festival opening Midnight Service event.
Rose’s relationship transcends the turntables, with her background as a Julliard alumna and a multi-disciplinary artist with hands in choreography, modeling, and activism. Outside of the Festival, Rose has DJ’ed in a series of other high-profile events such as Horse Meat Disco and Boiler Room San Fransico.
The buzz at in Miami Beach was all about Rose as the “future of Winter Party,” and we were thrilled to chat with her before her DJ set about her desires for Black trans representation in the music scene and activism’s role in that visibility.
“I already had a catalog of music since I am a performing artist, so I had an understanding of the rigmarole of music and culture from that,” Rose said. A hobby-turned-hustle, Dangerous Rose birthed her DJ career in the height of pandemic lockdown with the help of her friend, celebrity DJ and producer, Diplo. From there, Rose’s relationship to music was forever changed as she began DJing public events, sharpening her understanding of how music builds community. “Now that I have the tools to do this, it’s became this powerful weapon and I’m very grateful for that.”
With the critical acclaim of her Winter Party Festival performance, Dangerous Rose says DJing is a prominent “avenue of expression,” an unapologetic tribute to the Black trans women and queer DJs before her time that built the sound of techno and house music.
“Music has become this wall of protection to be proud and have a sense of existence,” she said. “If you don’t, we’ll lose time by being bystanders. We don’t want to be bystanders, so here we are spreading the word, being vigilant and being vocal primarily for what’s happening [today.]”
Dangerous Rose now sees a path of “doll domination” as she rises in the DJ ranks and continues her journey of fusing music and trans liberation. “Community is what we make it, we have to do this through music and talent,” Rose said. “Everyone is coming together to experience music, you have to be there for each other beyond that. We have to hold space for that sacred moment and if we don’t, it’ll all fall apart.”
Given the life expectancy and gross income disparities between Black trans women and other communities, Rose acknowledged the stark differences of lifestyles, citing that queer people and allies with resources should show up to support those in need, especially as anti-trans bills continue to target the transgender community on the local, state, and federal levels. “Others have so much access, privilege, and wealth, but what actually you actually doing for your community?” Rose asked. “Do you extend [your assets] to others?”
But the work doesn’t stop at the DJ booth. Rose emphasized on the need for collective work and solidarity amongst queer communities to make an impact, on the dancefloor in a town hall.
“It’s overwhelming and I think about it all the time, but they have to start putting money in pockets,” Rose said. “Now that I’m in town? We’re about to shake things up! I have to turn y’all a new one.”
Amber D. Dodd serves as the Web Manager and Content Producer for The National LGBTQ Task Force.