Heaps Gay White Bay Powerstation
When Kat Dopper founded Heaps Gay in 2013, the vision was simple but profound: to create a safe, inclusive space for queer people and allies to come together, celebrate diversity, and immerse themselves in art and community. Eleven years later, Heaps Gay is a beloved institution in Sydney’s cultural landscape, known for its larger-than-life parties and unapologetic embrace of creativity and self-expression.
As Heaps Gay gears up for its 11th-anniversary extravaganza at the historic White Bay Power Station on 23 November, I caught up with Kat to reflect on the journey so far and get a glimpse of what’s in store for this milestone event.
The upcoming event at White Bay Power Station is a significant milestone. Why this venue, and what can attendees expect?
The venue is really cool because it has potential to be Sydney’s Berghain. It’s just such an iconic space and it feels like really clubby and also when it’s decked out. So I think most likely after heaps gay is in there, like they’re trying to make it easy people in the news to go in and like hire it.
The venue is so iconic and a historic space in Sydney. It’s got this raw, industrial vibe that’s perfect for a Heaps Gay event. We’ve gone all out for the 11th anniversary—think massive art installations, live music, drag performances, and immersive experiences. It’s going to be a multi-sensory celebration of everything Heaps Gay stands for.
Tell me about the event.
It’s going to be industrial to match the vibe of the venue, but it’s also going to be very gay. The event is also so incredibly stacked. There’s a lot of exciting headliners, including Bimini from Rupaul’s Drag Race UK- she’s fantastic. Princess Superstar, who’s an icon- she’s also doing a half an hour set. We’ve got Gotmik from Drag Race as well- there’s so many.
The boiler room is this big industrial high ceiling room, with two floors that you can look down over the dance floor space. That’s our big room with the main stage, which will have high energy, heaps of shows and banger songs from our DJs. And then Turbine North is where they have all the old machinery so we’re really going for an industrial dance party vibe.
At the other end is Turbine South, which will have more of a Palms vibe with mirror balls and glitter curtains. We’re trying to create immersive settings for punters to explore and hang out.
I’ve really gone all out. I feel like this is one of the shows that I’ve absolutely gone all out for.
A list of performers announced for the night includes
- Bimini (UK)
- Big Wett & Absolute Xxx – Experience (UK/ AU)
- Princess Superstar (USA)
- Jaguar (UK)
- Jesswar (AU)
- Kim Ann Foxman (US)
- 13
- Amyl
- Atomic Kiss
- Charlie Villas
- Craig Slit
- Diva Cups
- Dyan Tai
- Fried Pork Chop
- Jackell Doll
- Jason Winston
- Jeremy Lloyd
- Kitty Obsidian
- Lady Fur
- Mama Medusa
- Mowgli May
- Rocky Stallone
- Ruby Teys
- Sour
- Stelly G
- Texas Gold
- ZotDotCom
- Saddle Club:Queer Line Dancing – Queer Social Club – Merch by Qweer, No Milk In My T & Sock Drawer Heros + Rave Temple
What do you think has been the secret to Heaps Gay’s success and longevity?
I started heaps 11 years ago and the scene was very different back then. It did start as just a little party club at the Gladstone. So it’s grown as I’ve gotten older and with the scene. But we’ve always put art and immersive spaces at the forefront of the event. So it was never really necessarily about um booking at a particular artist name. It was always really about cultivating and creating community and space.
I guess the way that we did that was audiences and community didn’t really know what they were getting and we wanted to try and create these house party type events, within whatever space we were in.
Back then that was really new for Sydney, and Sydney’s queer scene has grown so much.Which I’m so excited to be a part of. We’ve gone through a lot, through lockout laws and COVID etc etc, but we’ve adapted and come out of it in a really positive way.
And there’s so many different options. We’ve got the Newtown vibe, or Oxford St, or house parties- literally name anything, and it’s in the scene. Which is so exciting. And I’m so excited that Heaps Gay is a part of that.
As you celebrate 11 years, what are your hopes for Heaps Gay’s future?
We’ve also just announced New Year’s Day across two stages from 2pm until 10pm. We’re announcing our lineup next weekend, which is exciting!
AND… it’s really cheap- with tickets starting at $39.00 for early birds. It’s all just a big love up really.
As Heaps Gay prepares to mark its 11th year, the Powerstation event promises to be a celebration of the past, present, and future of queer creativity. Set against the backdrop of one of Sydney’s most iconic venues, the night will bring together the city’s most vibrant performers and creators for a party you won’t want to miss.
Tickets are on sale now—grab yours HERE and get ready to celebrate 11 years of Heaps Gay in spectacular style.
To read more on Gay Sydney Australia, please click HERE