Red Hot Dance for LGBTQ+ Women on August 23
By Gus Hernandez
Honoring Women’s Equality Day in a Time of Resistance
Women’s Equality Day is August 26, a date that marks the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Today, it also reminds us that the fight for equality is far from over. Across the country, attacks on bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, and the safety and dignity of women and gender-diverse people are on the rise. These aren’t just political issues; they affect our loved ones, our colleagues, and our communities.
And yet, in the face of these challenges, our LGBTQ+ community continues to rise. We resist through advocacy and action, and also through joy, connection, and celebration. Just like we did at San Diego Pride last month, we gather, dance, find connection, and in doing so, reclaim space, affirm our identities, and strengthen our resilience.
Red Hot Dance Returns to The Center
One joyful expression of this resistance is the Red Hot Dance, a biannual event hosted by The San Diego LGBT Community Center to celebrate queer women. The next Red Hot Dance will take place Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. in The Center’s auditorium in Hillcrest.
This is more than a dance party. It’s a vibrant, affirming space created by and for queer women and gender-diverse people. It’s a place where folks can show up as their full, authentic selves. It’s where queer women can move, laugh, connect, and celebrate the beauty and strength of our community.
Creating Space for Joy and Belonging
Since The Center revived the Red Hot Dance in 2023, it has become clear that this event fills a vital need. Queer women deserve spaces that reflect diversity, honor identities, and uplift joy. The Red Hot Dance responds to that need—a place where community members come together in celebration, solidarity, and love.
If you identify as a lesbian, transgender woman, cisgender woman, nonbinary person, womxn, womyn, queer woman, dyke, bisexual woman, femme-identifying, pansexual woman, or any combination within our vibrant queer spectrum, this space is for you.
A Night of Music, Movement, and Connection
We’re thrilled to welcome back DJ Muezette, who will be spinning everything from nostalgic 80s anthems to today’s hottest tracks. Whether you’re dancing the night away or just vibing with community, there’s something for everyone.
Guests can enjoy free appetizers and drinks, take a break in the quiet sensory space, or relax in a comfy seating area if they need a moment away from the dance floor. The evening is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and affirming because joy should never come with barriers.
More Than a Party: A Commitment to Community
The Red Hot Dance is more than a party. It’s part of The Center’s broader commitment to creating spaces that reflect and uplift queer women. Through Women’s Services, The Center offers support groups, resource navigation, and events that build resilience, connection, and care, especially when community members need it most.
In a time when the political climate feels heavy and attacks on our rights are relentless, events like Red Hot Dance remind us of our strength. They show us that joy is a form of resistance, that community is a source of power, and that we are not alone.
Event Details and RSVP Information
Red Hot Dance takes place at The Center, 3909 Centre Street in Hillcrest, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025. There’s a suggested $10 donation at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Visit The Center’s website at https://thecentersd.org/red-hot to RSVP.
Celebrating Queer Women’s Power and Presence
As we honor Women’s Equality Day this year, let’s do so by lifting up the voices, experiences, and joy of queer women.