Whether you have never heard of this tradition, or you already participate, drag ballroom has something for everyone, from glamorous competitions to serving as a community gathering space.
The drag ballroom scene began as a safe space for self-expression for African American and Latino LGBTQ+ youth. Get an inside look into D.C.’s iconic ballroom scene with Kenya Hutton, co-founder and co-president of Capitol Ballroom Council. Learn about its origins, international acclaim, and what it takes to compete as a drag king or queen. You will also hear from one of D.C. ballroom’s pioneering founders, Shannon Garcon, with a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.
This event will be held off-site at the Silver Spring Town Center. The event is free, but donations are encouraged to support Sandy Spring Museum programs and Capitol Ballroom Council’s outreach, educational, and health initiatives for the local LGBTQ+ community.
About the speakers Kenya Hutton is the co-founder and co-president of Capitol Ballroom Council as well as the Deputy Director for the Center for Black Equity. Kenya has dedicated close to 20 years working in social justice, equity, HIV prevention, and the facilitation of behavioral interventions among communities heavily impacted by HIV in NYC and Washington, DC. He has been an advocate for HIV prevention on local and national levels while bringing awareness to LGBTQ young adults and members of the House/Ball Community.
Shannon Garcon is a well-respected leader in the LGBTQ ballroom community and a LGBTQ community activist. He has worked hard to break the stereotypes placed on the ballroom community, while helping to end LGBTQ youth homelessness and mentoring LGBTQ young adults of color nationally and locally. Driven by this mission, Shannon opened the House of Garcon in April 2008 in Washington, D.C. As the principle founder of the House of Garcon, Shannon wanted a House that emphasized brotherhood, advocated education, encouraged professional growth, strong community bonds, health and spiritual well-being and still be effective in the ballroom.