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somewhat androgynous look and a fashion that transcends limits of sexuality or gender; it will continue to do so. As for us, we look forward to the next trend that the queer community brings into the mainstream, which we can guess will be inspired by rave culture and the popularity of places like Berlin club Berghain.

Earlier this year, three of my queer friends queued up for about nine minutes in the German winter night, for one of Berlin’s many techno clubs. Berghain has created a reputation for itself, exclusive and camp and serious about its legacy. The vastness of the internet will offer you a lot of information as how to get into the venue; familiarise yourself with the genre and the DJ, don’t talk, be German, be alone, be sober and most importantly: dress in leather and harnesses and chains.

Camp fashion has stemmed from queer people, but there is not a singular look to being queer, and with their over-sized jumpers, puffer coats and yellow beanies, queer people fit in just alright with the underground scene, because it was queer first.

This queer aesthetic pioneered in European underground clubs, which can be seen making a breakthrough into the mainstream rave culture of the UK already. Parties, such as Manchester based ‘Teletech’ draw in thousands of fans to see top European techno names such as Berlin based ‘D.Dan’. Attendees, regardless of their sexual orientation, are seen to adopt this camp, extravagant aesthetic. As seen on the event company’s Instagram, @teletechuk, these dark rooms showcase ravers in collars and latex, sweaty shirtless bodies of all genders, some covered only by mesh and underwear as outerwear, embracing camp and kink, even if only for a night.

There is criticism from both sides - the queer community and the dance music scene. Underground music has always been about the experience, an early form of a safe-space, and it all can be traced back to a gay, black man by the name of Larry Levan. The 80s saw queer people look for these safe spaces, by creating them in nightclubs that did not follow the typical ‘heterosexual’ night, extending to music and fashion. Now the music has become more “mainstream”, ravers and queer people alike are worried that the experience is diminished by the focus on ‘fitting in’ with the scene. Queer fashion is about self-expression from the inside, and many clubs will have a ‘no-cameras’ policy to keep the place as free as possible. Fashion becoming a media focus through TikTok becomes about external expression, appearing as part of a group rather than participating in the sub-culture.

The shift seems predictable and unstoppable. As kink-wear and camp fashion leaves electronic music parties and underground clubs, it will enter mainstream nights-out, and could even become part of everyday wear: a harness over a plain turtleneck, chains dangling from cargos, mesh tops and pierced nipples in local dark clubs. While the music scene might try and keep its exclusiveness, queer fashion has always inspired and influenced trends, and it will continue to make its way into runways, wardrobes and TikTok ‘get-ready-with-me’s.

Moving abroad can be scary, but you encounter so many incredible new experiences and meet awesome people that I would recommend it to anybody. I learnt so much on my study abroad in Germany last year! However, the initial move can be stressful, so here are some tips to make things smoother.

1. Bring what makes you happy.

Whether it’s pictures from home, your favourite jacket, or a ratty blanket from when you were a baby, bring something that reminds you of home to make the move less daunting. I packed all my favourite outfits and a blanket from my bed – it helps to have familiar things that make your personal space feel more like you.

2. Use your senses.

Senses are so powerful for recreating memories, so find a cafe or restaurant that makes your favourite food from home or buy a similar washing powder. Replicate it if you can’t find it. I couldn’t get Yorkshire Tea in Germany, so I made do with Lidl’s Spiced Apple. I stocked up when I went home next!

3. Understand that you’re not alone.

There are so many people who are in the same boat as you when moving abroad, so make the most of these connections. Making friends with people who are fellow internationals makes your experience so much easier, as you can relate to each other on a level different to your friends at home.

4. Keep in touch.

Most importantly, keep in touch with friends and family from home. I facetimed my mum every Sunday, and it was lovely to chat to a familiar face and find out things from home. Having a strong support network makes settling in much easier, as well as giving you an emotional rock for when things may get difficult.

Travelling or moving abroad is daunting, but you learn so much about yourself and the world around you whilst making lifelong memories, so do it! Happy travelling!

Words by: Meg Burgess