Sarra Wild (OH141) – 'Representation and feeling represented in a club is huge for me'
- Arusa Qureshi
- 1 September 2017

credit: Trackie McLeod
Co-founder of OH141 tells us why representation and safe spaces are vital to the future of our nightlife and clubbing communities
To say that clubs can be transformative spaces is not an exaggeration. For many, they are the focal point of a city, responsible for fostering a sense of community, identity and collective spirit. But this isn't always the case, especially for minorities who often lack inclusion and equality in these environments.
Sarra Wild, DJ, promoter and boss of club night and collective OH141, is well aware of this dichotomy, particularly in Glasgow. 'I saw that there was a lack of women getting represented, along with a huge lack of people of colour and members of the queer community. It was basically straight white dudes wherever you went. I got a bit sick of it so I started OH141 to give those exact people a platform and opportunities to play.'
In an incredibly short period of time, OH141 has blossomed from a club night to a radio show, a host of panel discussions, DJ workshops and more. 'It's been a year and a half and so much has happened,' Sarra explains. 'I think it's just because what I'm trying to do speaks to so many people.'
Having worked behind the scenes in clubs for some time, Sarra's decision to start her own night was down to her belief in creating the kind of club environment that embraces a more diverse group of people. 'Representation and feeling represented in a club is huge for me. When I first started putting on nights, I never once thought about DJing until I saw other women of colour behind the decks. I remember seeing Honey Dijon, who is a trans black woman, behind the decks and I was in awe.'
Along with creating a safe space for people of all backgrounds, ages and experiences with OH141, Sarra has been involved with hosting workshops through Grassroots Glasgow, which aims to improve representation in electronic music by providing support to women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
'I figured, what better way to get more POC people, queer people and women involved in the scene? Obviously, for me as a woman of colour, that was one of my main aims. Because I know how hard it is to believe in yourself let alone to make other people believe in you.'
With the goal of teaching the basics and providing access to decks, the six-week workshops proved a massive success, resulting in five of the attendees playing their very own club night for the first time.
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