The Flora and Fauna Kiki Ball

The Ballroom scene (also known as the Ballroom community, Ballroom culture, or just Ballroom) is an African-American and Latino underground LGBTQ subculture. Its origins can be found in drag balls of the mid-19th century United States. In the mid-20th century, as a response to racism in integrated drag spaces, the drag balls evolved into the modern ballroom scene, where Black and Latino attendees could “walk” in a variety of categories for trophies and cash prizes. Most participants in ballroom belong to groups known as “houses”, where chosen families of friends form relationships and communities separate from their families of origin, from which they may be estranged. Ballroom has expanded globally and has become a pop culture phenomenon. People of all races, genders, and sexualities now participate in balls and the scene at large. On January 25, 2025, Black, Queer and Here and the Pride Center SA are partnering with Sweetness Von Dutch, Founding Legendary Mother Natalie Lepore, and Dallas Kam Von Dutch to host an OTY (Of the Year Ball) Ball at the Bonham Exchange. Come and spectate as ballroom participants across the Gulf Coast hit the floor and perform at the highest level.