Though it's 2022, women wanting to go out and have a good time, safely, is still a pervading issue.
Enter Teddy Edwardes, who decided six years ago she was done subjecting herself to social spaces that included men.
She explained in an interview with Buzzfeed she frequently had issues with men when she wanted to go out and socialize.
"I started LICK because I just had enough of going to straight clubs and every single time having some sort of issue with TikToker Creates Successful 'Women-Only' LICK Nightclub In London: VIDEO into my friend’s album label launch in Shoreditch and within seconds, a man grabbed my ponytail and pulled me backward across the club all the way to the bar because he ‘wanted to buy me a drink.'"
In a text overlay, Edwardes wrote:
"Six years ago, a man ruined my night out for the very last time... And I created a women's only nightclub."
You can watch the video here:
The club is open to all women and nonbinary people, as Edwardes wanted to create a safe and inclusive space for all who wanted to enjoy the nightlife while also feeling safe.
The club now hosts more than 2,000 people per night with 10 locations throughout the UK.
As viewers might suspect, LICK has had underwhelming issues with safety concerns that often occur in straight clubs, including sexual harassment, assault, and drugging.
Fellow TikTokers got emotional over the video, with some saying what a game-changer a club like this would be to them.
@teddyedwardes/TikTok
@teddyedwardes/TikTok
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@teddyedwardes/TikTok
Others agreed and hoped tha something like LICK would also pop up in their area.
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Edwardes has been heartened to see how LICK has grown over the past six years and is looking forward to seeing where it can go.
But she maintains that more work needs to be done by the community.
"Men need to become better allies by educating TikToker Creates Successful 'Women-Only' LICK Nightclub In London: VIDEO and the other men around them by speaking up when something isn’t right. The only people that can change the issue with men, are men.”
While this club sounds like a dream, safety is deserved just as much on the sidewalk outside as it is within the club, but that will only happen if people hold themselves accountable.
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@sadcommunistdog; @froglok/Bluesky