Starting out and getting involved as a beginner DJ sucks

Title. Where I live (montreal) most of the parties/clubs/bars usually book djs as part of collectives, and trying to get involved, connect and start out really feels like you're trying to smash your head through a brick wall. It feels impossible to organize and get gigs here.

It's an oversaturated market run by massive cliques, and like-minded people keep themselves busy with people they already know. I know it's important to be persistent and bring something to the table but efforts feel pointless.