Being Authentically Her
Music has the power to make us feel things we sometimes can’t explain. And as a DJ, they have the power to change up the mood at any moment with the songs they play and how they play them. For Milwaukee DJ, DJ DripSweat, she said she still focuses on the core of DJing by introducing people to songs they have never heard or playing songs in new ways they never thought of. She loves to play around with transitions, but she also loves the representation she brings to the industry.
As a queer Black woman with locs, DJ DripSweat prides herself on being a good representation for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I’m always trying to be inclusive no matter what their sexuality is, their race is, their age is,” DJ DripSweat said. “Me showing up in [spaces] is impactful to other LGBTQ+ individuals because people can identify with me from different aspects,” she said.
Growing up, Milwaukee’s Pride Fest was a place she always felt safe, which is why DJ DripSweat was happy to headline it a few years ago. But as someone who takes their platform seriously, she also spoke out about how long it took for the festival to ask someone like her to headline.
“I love using the platform I have in order to call out injustices when it’s supposed to be an inclusive space,” she said.
In October of this year, DJ DripSweat will be celebrating 10 years as a professional DJ.
“In my own right, I do feel successful, and I do feel my time isn’t up yet,” DJ DripSweat said. “For me, it’s a whole cultural practice.”
Opening An Inclusive Location
DJ DripSweat said she’s never been scared of being who she is, and she wants others to feel the same way.
“The hiding is something I wish people didn’t have to do or go through,” she said. “Sometimes [people] just be gay. It just exists…and it’s normal.”
She eventually wants to open a queer space in Milwaukee, so the LGBTQ+ community has a place where they can feel safe and seen.
“[A place where] they can be themselves,” DJ DripSweat said. “[My end goal] is to give back to my community.”
To book DJ DripSweat, click here.
This article is part of Carvd N Stone’s 2026 Pride Month Series. Throughout the month, we are highlighting Black LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who are making an impact through their work, advocacy, and lived experiences while helping create more inclusive and empowered communities.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
- Nyesha Stone
