The Velvet Arts Project

The Hustler's Ball Vol. II: Im A Work of Art. Imma Master Peace.

The Velvet Arts Project exists to provide HIV awareness, mental wellness, and suicide prevention to communities of color through art, culture, and advocacy with emphasis in LGBTQIA+ persons and women.


Our goal is to curate safe(r) spaces where we elevate our issues, our culture, our excellence, and our joy.


Every day, because of misogyny, racism, homophobia, and transphobia, queer and trans people of color feel the sting of rejection to the point that many of us have become numb to it. Instead of succumbing to an existence that takes up less space, we have become louder and prouder in our fight: not only for ourselves, but for other queer folks and people of color. One of the ways queer and trans people of color have responded is by expressing ourselves creatively. We have done this throughout history using mediums such as literature, art, music, poetry, fashion, and film to explore themes of social justice.


The ballroom scene is a fascinating subculture that illuminates themes of race, gender, and sexual orientation within society. Balls are competitions that consist of individuals who perform different categories. Balls have become a safe space for queer youth of color to express themselves freely and creatively. Whether a safe space was formed inadvertently from this creative expression, or whether it was intentional, it is clear that these spaces are imperative to protecting our humanity.

 

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