Rising Stars: Meet Planet Queer of Silver Lake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Planet Queer.

Hi Planet, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Planet Queer is a monthly LGBTQ+ experimental performance night that has been operating at Akbar in Silver Lake Los Angeles since 2012.

In 2009 Ian MacKinnon began a monthly performance lab called Queer Mondays at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. It ran for 3.5 years and featured dance, spoken word, and performance art. Then in 2012 Ian joined forces with producer Travis Wood and they morphed it into the sci fi extravaganza known as Planet Queer. This show landed on the east side of LA at Akbar in Silver Lake and has been presenting music, drag, burlesque, video, and experimental performance on a monthly basis ever since. The mission of Planet Queer is to put queer creativity in the service of liberation of all people. Over the years, Planet Queer has grown to also present shows for the City of West Hollywood, WeHo Pride, The LA LGBT Center, University of Redlands, Art Share, LA Road Concerts as well as presenting the annual NSFW Film Fest.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Self producing experimental queer performance is always an act of love. It takes a lot of energy and focus to pull off with little support. Akbar has been an amazing home for us and has kept us going. The reward is seeing all of the artists who have graced the stage, seeing how queer art is evolving right before our eyes and watching the artists express their visions to a warm and supportive audience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Planet queer is the longest running monthly LGBTQ+ show in the city. We are unique in many ways, the main show is very warm and open, it is not ageist and embraces all community who are interested. We have produced many distinctive shows in addition to the monthly show including: The Wizard Rave Ritual in Crestline, The Adonis Project at Human Resources, alternative drag cabarets at Redlands and more.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
We often team up with other organizers to create shows. Our advice is to go out and attend local live performances, take workshops and meet the community. Networking through volunteering or do-it-yourself events can be helpful and fun.

Pricing:

• The shows range $10-$20 no one turned away for lack of funds

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.planetqueer.org/
• Instagram: @planet.queer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planetqakbar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@planetqueer7156

Image Credits
Photos by Travis Wood