Saeleen Bouvar is an artist, activist, and musician whose profound contributions to Trans visibility and queer culture have transformed music landscape in her hometown Hamburg.
Since founding Salon Queertronique in May 2017, she has enriched Hamburg’s queer club scene, infusing it with trans visibility and creating a unique space where music, history, and community converge.
As the salonnière of the event, Bouvar draws on over three decades of queer club culture to curate sets that are both nostalgic and groundbreaking. Her philosophy: Recreate-Restore-Reform, guides her artistry as she resurrects the vibrant sounds of historic gay discos and queer clubs, blending them seamlessly with contemporary beats. Her music exudes a refined, feminine elegance, spanning genres from disco and Chicago house to acid house, electroclash, and techno.
Bouvar’s exceptional musical talent and cultural insight have taken her to prestigious stages across Europe, including Fusion Festival 2019 and 2024, Vogelball 2022, and iconic queer venues like the Queerpool in Hamburg.
Her performances are a testament to her deep understanding of the queer clubbing ethos, creating electrifying experiences that resonate with her audience.
She has also left her mark as a performer and curator at the groundbreaking Transtronica Festival, further establishing her as a visionary in electronic music.
The Transtronica Festival is the world’s first electronic music festival with an all-Trans lineup, established in 2022 by Bouvar. Rooted in Trans artistry, creativity, and resilience, the festival provides a vital platform for Trans musicians, DJs, and performers from across the globe.
Transtronica operates on three core principles:
- cultural celebration, by showcasing extraordinary Trans talents;
- activism, by fostering a space for visibility and networking within the LGBTQIA+ community and;
- historical remembrance, by honoring pioneers who have shaped Trans history.
Held annually in collaboration with Kampnagel Theater in Hamburg, the festival has featured international stars such as Nomi Ruiz, Tami T, HAUSVRAU and Rouge Mary.
Transtronica is not just a festival but a movement dedicated to uplifting Trans voices and creating a more inclusive and equitable future through art and community.
In 2024, she was awarded the Kaleidoskop Art Prize for her groundbreaking contributions to Trans visibility and cultural innovation.
Her work as a founder, curator, and DJ celebrates Trans artistry while fostering inclusive spaces that challenge norms and uplift marginalized voices.
Saeleen Bouvar continues to push boundaries through her unique blend of artistry and activism.
Saeleen is one amongst the many Trans artists we wish to celebrate in this new series.
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