by Antonio Padron

Competing on Legendary and Megan Thee Stallion’s Praise Inspire Queer Man to Build Texas Ballroom Scene

 My name is Antonio Padron. I’m from San Antonio, Texas. And when I was 16, I was in my living room watching TV. I was watching MTV and there was a dance show on there. ItThe scene in Texas in general, the ballroom scene started growing. 2019 was the first year that I joined a ballroom house, an official mainstream ballroom house, and that was the ...

by Ryan Thompson

Gay Son Brings Mom to His Ball… and She Ends Up Competing

I’m Ryan Thompson. I’m from Houston, Texas.  And in high school, I was out in school, but not out to my mom.  A couple of years later, I’m in college, first wiAnd I said, “Yes.”  Then she says, “Okay. Well, I already knew that. I was just waiting for you to tell me.”  So when we made it to the hospital, um, the...

by Alexis

Becoming Herself: A Trans Woman’s Journey Through Identity and Survival

 My name’s Alexis. I’m from Brownsville, Texas.  I grew up very feminine in a conservative family. We grew up on the southern border and I kind of was just developiEventually I got the support from the community that I had, that they were… they were the ones that really made me feel like no matter what you do, if you wanna do it, if you do...

by Tabytha Gonzalez

Gender-Affirming Care Leads Trans Woman From Sex Work & Prison to Motherhood, Marriage, and a Career

I’m Tabytha Gonzalez, pronouns she and her, and I’m from Newark, New Jersey.  I first came to New York City. I was with my dance crew, or a dance crew that I was a pa...

by Egyptt Labeija

Egyptt LaBeija – Life In And Out Of The Ballroom.

1980s: Seeing Trans Women For The First Time: “I Felt Welcomed.” I grew up in a town in Long Island called Freeport. And I grew up basically in a middle-class home. My parentsLate 1980s: Overcoming Homelessness, Joblessness And Abuse: “There’s Always a Way Out Of A Bad Situation If You Want A Way Out.” In the late eighties, when I finally left myLate 1990s: From Walking Balls To Mentoring Youth: “It Taught Me That You Have To Step Outside The Box.” In the late nineties is when I went to my first ball. It was interesti2010s: Giving Back To The Community. “I Am Here Today To Let People Know That They Are Somebody.” So in 2015 is when I was asked to be in the House of LaBeija. It was intense ...