1ST FRIDAY BOWS OUT OF LESBIAN SCENE AFTER 9 YEAR SUCCESS

"We will do some different types of events for the community that are linked to the different social circles out there.  We will probably do three major parties in the year instead of every month."

Knowles created the exclusive space for lesbians and their straight girlfriends in 2007 after realising that there was no true house party away from home venues catering to lesbians.

"I wanted a safe environment where the music would be commercial dance and the club classics from my jolling days in Durban.

 I found a little restaurant called Cafe Ave' in Greenside with the objective of having a social place where friends could meet and have a good time.  We then did three more parties but trying to find the right venues was always an issue, I nearly stopped the party at the time which was going to be held on a Floodlit outdoor Qolf course I'd secured and I thought it was going to rain," says Knowles.

When news leaked that the party would be cancelled, Knowles says she was inundated with calls from women and realised she had something special and needed to keep the party going.

1st Friday evolved into its full fledged nightclub status after the circuit party made Sequious, Lonehill its permanent home. The classy venue demanded an upscale, trendy following and lesbians brought their A-game to its doors.

However, Kerry wanted more than just a crowd and a DJ. Dressing up was half the fun for women and the themes got wild as the years went on.

"The themed nights started for the 1st year birthday with the L Word and from there who knows I just kept them going. As silly as they can be, people always seemed to have more fun and isn't that what you do at a house party!"

1st Friday launched comedy acts, drag shows, new musicians and young artist as well as introduced the Jozi scene to sexy entertainment: dancers, tattoo artists, photographers and shooter girls. It was a place that welcomed women, supported women and was run by women - inspiring other local lesbians to either up the razzle factor or start something new.

Knowles says: "The party just grew from strength to strength, people all knew each other and I knew 90% of them.  So from girlfriends and I choosing music playlists to getting some bands and hiring different DJ's we eventually got the model right. One thing I know for sure after all these years is that you will never satisfy everyone with music but if you can make most of the people happy most of the time, you have success."

The girls night set a high standard for lesbian partying but also a level of responsibility for the regulars that have supported her all these years. Knowles secured a special rate with a local cab company to promote a "Don't drink and Drive" campaign, as well as brought in her own security to oversee the safety of the women, whether they were on her premises or walking through the parking areas to their cars.

1st Friday nights transformed the landscape for lesbian parties in South Africa. However, it was when Knowles opened up her own venue - Cafe Culture that party-pleasing became even more challenging.

"Our biggest party ever was our BACK TO SCHOOL Party two years ago at Cafe Culture with over 800 girls.  We have had some crazy times, visited many different venues and had incredible support which I am very grateful for. Venue's are becoming more and more difficult to find and the scene has changed, so I feel it is the right time to bow out gracefully and have a little sabbatical," she says.

Knowles says the last of her circuit parties this Friday night, 6 February 2015 will raise the bar one more time and lock down Joburg for its themed Jail Break Party - Break Out and Celebrate the last 1st Friday. So whether you're jailbait or want to be broken in - it's going to be a night to remember with a DJ line-up that could get you arrested! 1st Friday welcomes for the final time  That Girl Army ft: Lizz Vox and Eden Michelle, DJ Skye, Che Cherry and DJ Deena.

There'll be a R50 entrance fee for card-carrying members before 10pm and R100 after at Arena Venue: Cnr Sunset Avenue & Forrest Drive, Fourways (same centre as Molly Molones) If you are not a member,  join the group so that can stay informed about any future events as well as Loyalty Partners benefits and membership card discounts.

Find more information about Friday night's party on the Facebook page here

While there are a handful of great nights out for lesbians, you're encouraged to support them and take ownership of these spaces provided for us. Without you, they cannot survive. Without them, there are no women-only places for us to meet, have fun and party together.