Families & Youth Innovations Plus and La Vida Project hosted a spooky-themed pride ball in celebration of queer culture on Friday, October 27, 2023. The free event included drag competitions and performances, as well as opportunities for community members to learn about the resources provided by LGBTQ+ organizations in the area.
The ball highlighted the ballroom scene as part of queer identity and culture. Historically, house balls have offered a place for queer people to feel safe expressing themselves.
“The ballroom scene has been around for decades, but in the 80s during the AIDS epidemic, the queer community used the ballroom scene to take in people who were homeless because they were being kicked out of their homes and communities,” said Mateo Ortega, senior director at FYI+. “For me it’s life saving because it gives folks a sense of community that otherwise would feel very disenfranchised and connected.”
Event organizers expressed that safety was a number one concern for them in this event. No alcoholic drinks were allowed, and security guards stood by the entrances. This was to ensure that queer people of all ages could attend safely.
“We wanted to provide something fun that the youth can do. I don’t think that Halloween should be celebrated with substances or alcohol and we wanted to make it a safe place for kids to feel supported and safe and adults to behave, of course,” said Raquel Madrigal, communications and media coordinator at FYI+.
Performer Ryan Rox also expressed her appreciation for the event being safe and alcohol-free.
“I love events like this that are all ages and free because we don’t have a lot of safe, sober spaces for children or people under 21. And so I was really excited to be a part of this event in particular.” Rox said.
There were ten categories for the ball competitions. These ranged from pop-culture categories such as Best Wednesday and Weird Barbie to categories based on Rocky Horror Picture Show like Time Warp, and Monster Mash.
“This gives everyone a chance to show their unique style and we have the cutest little trophies,” Madrigal said.
Some contestants came already having experience in drag, and knew what to expect. One performer, who goes by Miko, described the impact that drag had on her exploration of queer identity.
“I got into drag right around the time I figured out I was non-binary. And then after doing drag for about a year I was like ‘I’m trans,’,” Miko said.
For others, this was their first ball. Some didn’t plan on performing, but did so anyway after being inspired by other competitors.
“I just came tonight because I thought it would be a lot of fun. But I didn’t plan on going up and doing this ball performance, but I saw everyone else having so much fun and I thought ‘you know what, why not?’” said one of the competitors, who goes by Ash.
Besides competitions, the ball also hosted performers Rox and Adoria in between sets of ball categories. The performers encouraged the ball competitors to express themselves authentically through drag.
“I am on top of the moon. I’m so excited for everybody that got to spread their wings tonight and be themselves and be celebrated,” Rox said, “Just be yourself. You’re loved and you deserve a place on this earth.”
Another goal of the event was to educate people on the resources that Families & Youth Innovation Plus and La Vida Project provide to the LGBTQ+ community.
“FYI+ is a place where not only young people, but everyone can come and express themselves and get help, of course for mental health, substance use, and other issues but also at La Vida Project project, we have all kinds of services for you,” said Jeanne Resendez, director of business development and communications with FYI+.
