HBHC has 'ball' with competition event

Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC), in collaboration with Step Up. Get Tested., Harmony WellCare, CORE and Fahrenheit Chicago weekend, created a fun and safe space for members of Chicago’s ballroom scene to come together as participants competed for cash awards, trophies and bragging rights. They also learned more about HIV/AIDS and other STDs.

Organizer Serette King, of HBHC, said this was the first of many more to come. His hope is by holding the “balls” during the day—as opposed to the usual nighttime and in clubs—they can reach a younger crowd.

The competitions included Runway, Sex Siren, Foot Wear, Eyewear, Best Dress, Super Heroes. Competitors were judged by ballroom legends on runway, performance, face and realness. Some ballroom house’s in attendance included Balenciaga, Escada, Herrera, Mizrah and Ninja, just to name a few.

Photos and text by Ed Negron