DJ workshop returns to Montreal to encourage more diversity in what's still a 'boys club'

A workshop in Montreal is encouraging women and people in the LGBTQ community to hone theirDJ skills.

The workshop, called Intersessions,aims to bring more diversity into the world of DJing,an industry that is often thought of as a "boys club."

"Historically, women have not been given spaces where they can shape a technical practice, and DJing involves a certain amount of technicality," said Leticia Trandafir, one of the workshop's organizers and the music director atNever Apart, a non-profit organization in Montreal that seeks to usecultural programming to bring about social change.

There is not a lot of spaceif you are a woman, and you're not fully formed and perfect at theart form.- Never Apartmusic directorLeticia Trandafir

"Electronic music historically has been a male-dominated scene," said Trandafir."There is not a lot of spaceif you are a woman and you're not fully formed and perfect at the art form."

She said it's important to have spaces where women, non-binary and LGBTQ people can feel comfortable learning if they aren't experts.

Never Apart is collaborating with Slut Island, a music and arts festival reserved for marginalized people, and the creators of Intersessions to put on the workshop.

Intersessions was created several years ago by Vancouver'sChhavi Nanda, also known as Chippy Nonstop, and fellow artist Rhiannon Blossom. They wanted to create a space where women could learn DJskills without judgment.

• Intersessions: A workshop for DJs outside the boys' club

It's the fourth time Intersessions has come to Montreal since 2016, and it's become so popular, all the spots are already gone.

The workshop has also been offered inVancouver, Toronto, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, as well as incities in Europe.

Trandafir, who also works as a DJ in Montreal, said female DJs still face discrimination.

"You see it on social media: women get a lot less slack, and you know you kind ofhave to be perfect at your art form.... Appearance will get commented on way more often than it does with male DJs, " she said.

Trandafir saidshe's experienced first-hand getting scrutinized on the job.

She said men in the audience have fiddled with her DJ equipment while she was working, taking it upon themselves to adjust the music levels for her.

Trandafir said despite moments like those, the industry is starting to change, and people are more conscious about diversity.

Part of that change can be attributed to workshops like Intersessions.

"These kinds of workshops are popping up everywhere, and this is one of many.It's really a kind of a movement worldwide to change that bias," she said.

The workshop will teach people how to use a variety of DJing technology like vinyl, CDJ, computer and software programs. Itwill also go overthebasics, like howto start collecting music.

Trandafir said access to DJ equipment can bevery expensive, which is another hurdle forpeople who want to get into the business,butthe workshop encourages people to use whatever medium they enjoy most.