On the coldest Saturday of January, the energy inside Marsha’s—Philadelphia’s first women’s sports bar, which opened in September—was anything but cold. Rep Ya Flag was in full swing, an event celebrating the cultures and places that make up the city’s vibrant communities. True to its name, the night invited people to show pride and represent the flag of their own heritage or that of their families.
The space was filled with the colors of Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and many more. For Xiomara, a Dominican DJ and events curator, creating this space felt essential. It was a tribute to immigrant communities and a reminder of the power of visibility and pride.
As many Philadelphians were still recovering from the snowstorm the previous weekend, Xiomara was preparing for the event alongside her teammate Rio, a college student she has taken on as an apprentice. This marked Xiomara’s second collaboration with Marsha’s. “The first event was in December,” she explained, referencing Noche Buena, a Christmas gathering for those seeking community during the holidays. “The owners of Marsha’s reached out through a friend, hoping to connect with me to host a queer Latino night.”
In recent years, the queer Latino nightlife scene in Philadelphia has been limited, with only a couple of curators consistently organizing events. Rep Ya Flag aimed to fill that gap—creating not just a party, but a safe and affirming space.
Beyond celebrating cultural pride, the event also highlighted immigrant rights and supported Juntos, a local immigrant advocacy organization. “Some of the funds from this event will be donated to Juntos,” Xiomara shared. At a time when fear and uncertainty continue to affect immigrant communities—exacerbated by ICE activity and the broader climate shaped by the Trump administration—the idea of going out can feel daunting.
Against this backdrop, Philadelphia’s elected officials have introduced the ICE Out bill, a legislative package designed to protect immigrant communities. The proposal would require ICE agents and law enforcement to display badges, prohibit the use of unmarked vehicles and face coverings, and prevent ICE from using city-owned property as staging grounds for raids, among other measures, according to the Philadelphia City Council.
For Xiomara, taking a stand against what is happening nationally felt necessary. “I protest in the way I know how,” she said. “By celebrating and uplifting our spirits.” She acknowledged the tension of hosting a party during such difficult times. “It would feel really insensitive to throw a party knowing that so many people are suffering,” she added. “But I will always connect my work to a social cause. No matter what’s happening in the world, I’m always going to give back to my community.”
And that commitment was felt throughout the night. The bar was nearly full, buzzing with joy, laughter, and love. The music blended classic throwbacks—Aventura, Frankie Ruiz, Ivy Queen, Daddy Yankee—with contemporary hits from Karol G, Tokischa, Rauw Alejandro, and three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny. Afrobeats and early-2000s R&B rounded out the mix, creating a soundtrack rooted in shared memories and cultural pride.
“I want it to feel like a sala,” Xiomara said—and it did. The night carried the warm, familiar nostalgia of a living room party in a BIPOC or Latine household. That feeling peaked when Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” came on and the entire room sang along, arms around one another, honoring the love and joy many have experienced with family.
A beautiful way to close out winter.
To support Xiomara and Marsha’s and stay informed about future collaborations, follow them on Instagram:
Xiomara: @dj.xio
Marsha’s: @marshassouthstreet
