In the heart of Brooklyn, a unique phenomenon is blending the vibrant energy of nightlife with crucial community care. Body Hack a monthly event held at Nowadays a sprawling dance club on the Ridgewood-Bushwick border, is more than just a party. It’s a lifeline for the trans community, offering a range of services from dental screenings to harm reduction resources.
The event, advertised as “for trans people, nonbinary cuties and the people that love us,” has become a beacon of support and connection. With hundreds, if not thousands, of attendees each month, Body Hack is a testament to the power of community and the potential of nightlife as a platform for positive change.
The Evolution of Body Hack
Body Hack’s journey began eight years ago at Mood Ring a Bushwick bar known for its astrology-themed cocktails. The initial concept was simple: a bucket passed around for donations to support the trans community. However, the pandemic forced a shift, and Body Hack went digital, hosting 24-hour hack-a-thons on Zoom. This online presence allowed the initiative to reach beyond New York City, resonating with individuals like Cielo Felix Hernandez a Puerto Rican trans woman who first encountered Body Hack from her bedroom in Richmond, Virginia.
Hernandez eventually moved to New York City five years ago to access gender-affirming hormone therapy. She began volunteering with Body Hack, creating flyers for events, and is now one of the key organizers. “I joined Body Hack because of how inspiring it is to be able to have a resource and share it with a community that isn’t necessarily always able to access it,” Hernandez said. The event has evolved into a complex operation, involving DJ lineups, vendor coordination, and harm reduction efforts.
Healthcare in the Heart of the Party
Since December, Body Hack has partnered with the Brooklyn Harm Reduction Outreach Cooperative to offer dental screenings at each event. A licensed dentist, who spoke anonymously due to professional concerns, provides screenings in a secluded area of Nowadays’ backyard. The dentist highlighted the lack of dental care in the queer community, citing factors like lack of access, coverage, and dental trauma.
The screenings are a hit, with dozens of partygoers able to sit before the dentist each month. The dentist uses loupes and single-use disposable hand mirrors to check for issues like cavities. If any problems are found, patients are provided with a list of recommended places for dental care, including options for sliding scale payments or services for those without health insurance.
The need for such services is evident. According to the most recent report from the state health department, LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers are more likely to not have a regular health care provider and to have cost be a barrier for regular medical care. A combined 13% of queer New Yorkers reported not having health insurance, more than double the rate of their peers.
The Future of Body Hack
Body Hack’s impact extends beyond dental care. The harm reduction organization is exploring the possibility of providing flu shots at Body Hack in the fall. The next Body Hack event is set to be a 30-plus-hour extravaganza over Pride weekend at Nowadays, starting on June 27. Proceeds from this event will go towards the Black Trans Liberation Kitchen and the Celebration of Black Trans Woman Cookout.
Lys Hanlon, who runs the organization that partners with the dentist, emphasized the commitment to Body Hack. “My team is at this point incredibly dedicated to doing harm reduction at Body Hack,” Hanlon said. “Some months, Body Hack is the only event that we do harm reduction. Other months we’re slammed every single weekend with events that we’re doing. But, we never miss a Body Hack.”
As Body Hack continues to grow, it serves as a powerful example of how nightlife can be a force for good, providing essential services and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
