London’s underground music scene is abuzz with news of Leztopia—a FLINTA-focused club night—receiving a £10,000 creative fund from Relentless’ Freeform Forum initiative. Led by queer nightlife visionary Elianne Mahay-Goodrich, Leztopia creates safe, inclusive, and vibrant experiences, spotlighting often-overlooked voices in the music industry.

Elianne’s win comes as UK nightlife declines, with 37% of clubs closing since 2020 (NITA). Yet, Leztopia offers a beacon of hope. Through mentorship with trailblazing DJ and producer Sherelle, Elianne has been refining her craft and developing her vision for the club night. From its inception, Leztopia has stood out not just as an event but as a movement that fosters belonging and community in an increasingly challenging industry.
“The whole vibe of Leztopia is summed up by Mariah Carey’s ‘Fantasy’ MC House Mix,” Elianne explained. “It’s housey, camp, gay, and sexy—uplifting, vibrant, and filled with female vocals that make you feel something. It’s music that brings people together.”
This vision was on full display at Leztopia’s fourth event, held at The Yard Theatre in September. Featuring headliner Michelle Manetti and performances by Alex Lebby and Berry of Dykes on Decks, the event was a turning point. Sherelle’s mentorship proved invaluable, helping Elianne overcome low ticket sales by tweaking marketing strategies, including adjusting pricing and hosting a DJ competition to build buzz.

“There was a moment when I wanted to cancel the event,” Elianne shared. “Ticket sales were slow, and I was at breaking point. But Sherelle told me to trust the process, and she was right. Her advice—like renaming the event title to spotlight the lineup—had an immediate impact. By the end of our call, we’d sold 10 tickets.”
The night wasn’t just about music; it was about atmosphere. From the pink and purple lasers to the smiles on every face, Elianne knew she’d created something special. “Seeing everyone dancing, connecting, and feeling free—it was everything I dreamed of,” she said.

Sherelle echoed Elianne’s sentiment, emphasising the importance of grassroots efforts like Leztopia:
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“With UK nightlife in decline, subcultures that rely on it are at risk. Elianne is one of the few female promoters creating safe havens in an industry that desperately needs to change. Her work challenges norms and advocates for inclusivity in ways that are deeply impactful.”
Looking ahead, Elianne plans to use the creative fund to expand Leztopia. This includes hosting events in Bristol, Sheffield, and Edinburgh, as well as launching a record label and artist agency to uplift FLINTA creatives. The first big milestone will be a reunion event with Sherelle at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh to celebrate Leztopia’s first anniversary.

“There’s a massive gap in the market for FLINTA DJs and producers who don’t fit the mould or cater to male audiences,” Elianne said. “So many talented people are overlooked, and I want to change that. Through the record label and artist agency, I hope to provide opportunities for artists to thrive on their own terms.”
Leztopia is more than a club night—it’s a cultural movement that challenges the status quo in the music industry. As Elianne explained, “There are a lot of queer nights, but I want Leztopia to stand out. My goal is for it to become the biggest FLINTA-focused party in Europe, with lineups at major clubs and festivals.”
For now, Leztopia continues to grow as a space where queer people and allies can connect, dance, and celebrate their identities. “It’s about more than just the music,” Elianne said. “It’s about building a community where everyone feels they belong.”
With her vision, determination, and a little help from Mariah Carey’s house mix, Elianne Mahay-Goodrich is setting a new standard for what nightlife can be. And with Leztopia, the future of London queer club culture is brighter than ever.
Photo Credits: The Yard Theatre / Leztopia pictures | FFF’24 pictures