Under a clear blue sky on Sept. 27, Barbara&Barbara Salon presented the inaugural Barbara Fest in a secluded field across from First Presbyterian Church of Chicago at 6400 S. Kimbark Ave.
The event aimed to raise funds for ALMA, Lace and Liberation, and Brave Space Alliance while also celebrating the city’s BIPOC LGBTQ+ Community. The festival also presented a variety of queer venders, local artists, grassroots community service providers, makers and small businesses.
DJ Tanka and DJ Donyae Asante provided beats while Ivory Odae, Boy Next Door and Valentine Addams presented drag performances. Jahiem Elijah Jones of Brave Space Alliance also held a class on Ballroom Culture and the essentials of Vogue dancing.
Attendees sampled craft coffee and lemonade from Leche Canela Cafe and ice cream from Ida’s Artesan Ice Cream and Kokko’s Kitchen while checking out an array of artistic works from queer photographer and designer Nestor Leivas; queer-flavored offerings from newly arrived transplant Trevor Crawford and his Gay Agenda brand; graphic designs from earth2morg3; tarot card readings from Briana; designer items and accessories from Caeli Harris; and tattoo designs from La Luna Tattoos and Piercings, among others.
The festival also included a raffle with prizes ranging from salon appointments at Barbara&Barbara Salon, gift bags, tattoos, nails, hair services and queer-crafted quilts.
On top of everything else was the presence of Punks with Lunch Chicago, which offers services and aid for youths experiencing homelessness and Beverly Ross of Lace and Liberation.
Barbara&Barbara is a queer-centric and queer-owned hair salon located at 2925 W. Diversey Ave and has been operating since 2010.
