Pxssy Palace leaves Radar Radio, citing tokenistic practices and appropriation of culture

Pxssy Palace, a club night run by an all-women crew that provides marginalised communities with a safe space, has announced they will no longer be hosting their show on Radar Radio as “it has come to light that they do not support our core values”.

In an online statement, the organisation has cited reasons of tokenism and “using members of our community as props” for capitalistic purposes. Furthermore, they’ve stated that homophobic, transphobic and racist practices have been implemented on the station. According to their statement, a number of members have spoken about their experiences.

Their statement reads: “We feel that they have tokenised women, feminism, queer and trans culture, and Black and other people of colour, for capitalist purposes whilst making little to no effort to practise intersectionality within their own organisation.”

Listing a number of problematic practices, the list includes: “Allowing the airing of sexist, homophobic and transphobic shows, with no evident attempt to apologise, or take reparatory action following this”.

“Appropriation of culture, without consultation, or involvement, of the specific cultural groups”.

“Organisational racism which is indicated by a lack of balance in how staff and DJ’s are paid and promoted, with cherry picking of white men over POC”.

Furthermore, Pxssy Palace have stated the issues had previously been discussed with senior management before the release of their public statement. They have been informed Radar Radio will be addressing the issues.

Pxssy Palace’s last show on the station took place yesterday (5 April) at 1-3pm (GMT). Read their posts below.

Update: Radar Radio have since followed up with a statement apologising “to anybody who has felt unsafe or discriminated against at Radar Radio, either via programming or content or within the building”.

Their statement reads: “We have taken immediate action to review and assess any shortcomings with the input of all Radar staff, especially those who are female, LGBTQI+ and POC.”

“We will continue to improve how we operate as a workplace to ensure we host a safe, inclusive space for both Radar’s staff and guests and maintain an ongoing conversation with staff.”

Recently, more people have spoken out about their experiences at Radar Radio. Ex-producer Ashtart Al-Hurra has stated that she was allegedly sexually harassed by Radar DJs and, upon telling HR, was told the company would undergo sensitivity training with staff members. According to friends of Al-Hurra, this never happened.

London-based DJ anu has taken to Twitter to highlight how the station cancelled her show and replaced her with two middle-aged white men.

To show support for marginalised groups, Club Chai, UK based-musician Lara Rix-Martin, her label Objects Limited, Planet Mu and Ikonika have decided to cut their ties with the station.

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