On June 20, Brave Space Alliance (BSA) presented Embodied: A Pride x Juneteenth Variety Show at Thalia Hall at 1807 S. Allport St.
Saying the show was “presented” is the safest and most concise way of describing the proud, loud, spiritually uplifting, politically infuriating, colorful, angry, tonally shifting extravaganza that unspooled on that stage in the heart of Pilsen.
Curator and producer Aicha Chehmani’s ambitious vision could have gone off the rails at any moment, but instead it played as a stupendous jamboree. It was precise, yet joyfully personal and aimed at the heart of the nation.
Sure, it was a variety show, but Embodied had nothing to do with the likes of Donny and Marie, The Glenn Campbell Sunshine Hour, or even Saturday Night Live. Embodied was more along the lines of a living document of emotions and joy on what it means to live at the intersection of queerness, blackness and trans identity in 2026—and everything that has led up to it. There were so many different kinds of talent and temperament on stage, the cumulative effect may have left some members of the audience in a daze, but it was worth it.
Photos by Vern Hester. Story continues below photos.
There was live music, with DMB The Etymology rolling out a brazen set of hard rocking originals; Nexus J re-configuring the concept of the girl group; and May5a wafting through several lilting and elegant ballads, including their memorable “English Muffin.”
There was plenty of dance as well, with old-school ballroom (Prince Hiem Gorgeous Gucci), choreographed pop avant-garde (D’ Chameleon and Damon D. Green); to erotic new age trans burlesque (Fallon, Luv Ami Stoole, Sunny Haelstorm, Wes Andy, Sins Maysa); and traditional jazz dance combined with theater and athleticism (Po’ Chop and Mo Swallowtail and The Taproot Fluidity).
There were also performances from several members of Trans Voices Cabaret. Each was one different from the other, with thought provoking spoken word and poetry delivered by both Dario and new Brave Space Alliance CEO Nikki Patin. And keeping it all rolling along with hilarity and grit was Sasha Love, who not only wallowed in the energy of Embodied but celebrated her birthday.
Embodiment was a happening to remember and one I look forward to seeing for many Gay Pride celebrations to come.
