Boston-based DJ Lyndsay Simon (@lyndsaysimon) has gone viral on TikTok after security allegedly tried to kick her out of her own event.
In the video, which has amassed 390,000 views, a male security officer can be seen approaching Simon. While it’s unclear what he says to her, he appears to be asking her to leave. Simon can then be heard replying: “I am the DJ.”
Overlaying the footage is the following text: “Excuse me, why did no one warn me that the hardest part about being a female DJ is security trying to kick me off stage during my own headlining set because they didn’t believe I was the DJ…”
Simon elaborated further in a follow-up video. She explained that she was dressed up as techno Peach on account of it being a Halloween party.
She says when she tried to go upstairs, the man told her not to go up, and that only the DJ can be up there. To which she replied that the is the DJ.
Still, she didn’t hold the encounter against the security guard and remarked how he was “embarrassed” afterwards. Ultimately, Simon added that this wasn’t a unique experience for female DJs. She added that the industry is “for sure a boys club.”
@lyndsaysimon PSA: Dont forget to remind security that girls too can DJ because that was awkward af ? #femaledj #djproblems #edm #ravetok #edmlovers ♬ original sound – Lyndsay Simon ?
What did commenters think?
Commenters were shocked at the misogyny.
“OMG,” one wrote. “I hope he at least apologized.”
“Are you kidding me?!” another asked. While a third remarked, “No, but was he not paying attention the whole time? He should’ve notice you while you were DJing.”
A fourth added that they “truly hate club security,” while other commenters shared their own similar experiences.
“I’ve been asked if I was the DJ’s girlfriend way too many times,” a fifth said. While a sixth joked, “TBT to when i got kicked out of my own party (twice).”
Simon didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment and email.
Sexism in the industry
When it comes to the electronic dance music industry, there’s a real gender problem.
As part of a 2019 study examining the lack of gender diversity in the industry, the University of Portsmouth estimates that less than 10% of DJs are female.
Moreover, in a Guardian article, an anonymous female DJ shared how she invented a male manager to help navigate “the barrage of misogynistic nonsense and less than preferential treatment.” His name was ‘Dave.’
“Since the creation of Dave I’ve more than doubled my fee and have significantly bettered my terms and conditions of work,” she added. “Dave is a blokey, white, middle-aged man who speaks in a way I should be able to but the industry makes impossible. Dave has become renowned among my peers and associates as a wonderful manager. After seeing my success, some fellow artists have even approached me to ask if I could put in a word for them, in the hope that he might represent them too.”
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