Ballroom culture is an underground LGBTQ+ subculture created by Black and Latino communities in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s as a safe haven against racism and discrimination in mainstream spaces. I became obsessed with the fashion, language and glamour of the scene, specifically, ‘vogue battles’ which are imperative to the nature of a ball. Seeing it all for myself at the ‘3rd Annual Kiki Ball’, I felt honoured to be able to witness such talent and beauty. Photographing the event, not only allowed me to glorify the people competing, but also allowed me to expand my personal research into both ballroom culture and queer communities. Shot on 35mm Film.
Ballroom culture is an underground LGBTQ+ subculture created by Black and Latino communities in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s as a safe haven against racism and discrimination in mainstream spaces. I became obsessed with the fashion, language and glamour of the scene, specifically, ‘vogue battles’ which are imperative to the nature of a ball. Seeing it all for myself at the ‘3rd Annual Kiki Ball’, I felt honoured to be able to witness such talent and beauty. Photographing the event, not only allowed me to glorify the people competing, but also allowed me to expand my personal research into both ballroom culture and queer communities. Shot on 35mm Film.