DJ Jace M Celebrates LGBTQ+ Visibility at Columbus Pride

Photo byColumbus Pride

“Pride is a time to celebrate who we are and a time to make sure we are visible and normalized,” says Miami DJ Jace M. He will be in Columbus this weekend to spin Axis Pride Fest at Axis nightclub (775 N High St), part of the Columbus Pride Festival. “It’s a time for me to reflect on who I am and how I got here. It’s also an important time for other people who aren’t comfortable with themselves or ready to come out to understand that there are others like them.”

Jace M grew up in Washington DC and Detroit. When not DJing, he works full-time as a computer engineer and spends his evenings producing new music. He draws inspiration from many of the leading gay DJs from the early 2000s: luminaries like Abel, Ralphie Rosario, Tony Moran, Manny Lehman and DJ GRIND. As they did, Jace produces his own dancefloor music. He has released a slew of remixes, both by himself, and with collaborators including Joe Gauthreaux and Mauro Mozart. His latest release is a re-imagining of Jennifer Lopez’s “Waiting for Tonight” that he and DJ Toy Armada co-produced with vocals by out artist Joey Diamond.

DJ Jace MPhoto byMiami Photo Studio

How has being involved in the LGBTQ+ community influenced your work as a DJ?
DJ Jace M: I started my career as a DJ just as I was coming out. The LGBTQ+ club culture is so cutting edge and dynamic! It's really helped me hone in on my skills and bring our unique culture to even the straight club world. I've also been able to be involved in a lot of charity work and pride festivals, too!

Can you share a memorable experience from a Pride event you've DJed at?
I actually just played LA pride this last weekend and it was so cool. Seeing guests sing and dance to my music is always an amazing feeling.

Why is it important for the music industry to support and celebrate Pride?
The queer community influences the music industry so much and is so deeply involved in the industry -- and the music industry knows this -- and really works to embrace that.

Photo byColumbus Pride

How do you incorporate themes of Pride and LGBTQ+ visibility into your sets?
I try to feature music by LGBTQ+ artists in every set.

What impact do you believe Pride events have on the broader community?
In my opinion, visibility is one of the most important parts of acceptance. Being out there and being seen by the world shows that we exist and that we deserve the same rights as everyone else. It normalizes us as part of the world.

How has Pride helped you in your personal journey and identity?
I have been fortunate enough to be accepted by my family, colleagues, and friends, so I use my privilege to try to help people who haven't been so lucky. It's taught me to accept other people who are different and to embrace our uniqueness in life and in music.

What message do you hope to convey to your audience during Pride events?
It's ok to be who you are and that music really can bring people together.

DJ Jace MPhoto byJace M

How do you see the role of DJs and music in fostering inclusivity and acceptance?
We have a huge platform of followers and it's important to use that platform for good, not just from the DJ booth, but in everyday life. Through activism, awareness, and our social media platforms.

What advice would you give to young LGBTQ+ individuals looking to pursue a career in music?
There will always be people who believe in you and people who do not. Focus on the positive reinforcements. If the negative criticism is productive, use it to grow. Otherwise, let it roll off your back and move on.

For tickets to AXIS PRIDE FEST, visit Axisonhigh.com