A convening centered on leadership, wellbeing, and collaboration across the House and Ballroom community.
Hosted by Center for Black Equity in partnership with NMAC, Us Helping Us, and Destination Tomorrow.
The House and Ballroom Community Summit brings together members of the House and Ballroom community, public health professionals, and community organizations to strengthen partnerships that support community wellbeing. The summit highlights the leadership, creativity, and support systems within ballroom culture while exploring opportunities to improve access to health services, social supports, and community resources. Sessions are designed to encourage practical dialogue, stronger partnerships, and shared learning across community and institutional spaces.
Mainstage plenaries, breakout sessions, networking meals, and community-building experiences
House and Ballroom community members, public health professionals, community-based organizations, and partners
The summit is being planned with accessibility and support in mind. Mainstage sessions will include ASL interpretation, and accessible restrooms will be available on site. Childcare, reduced-cost registration options, transportation stipends, and meal accommodations are also being incorporated into the event experience.
Throughout the summit, attendees can expect cultural and community-centered elements that make the experience feel grounded in ballroom space and practice. These include music from ballroom DJs during breaks, a vendor marketplace featuring community entrepreneurs, a photo booth, a wellness room, and HIV prevention and health education materials. The summit is designed to support learning, connection, visibility, and care in the same space.
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Community gathering space with music curated by ballroom DJs.
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
MAINSTAGE PLENARY ONE
Welcome
Ballroom Culture and Community Engagement: Supporting Health Awareness and Community Leadership
The ballroom community has long served as an important source of social connection, mentorship, and peer support for many individuals. This panel will explore how ballroom houses and events can contribute to community engagement and support efforts to improve awareness of health services, including HIV prevention and care.
Panelists representing ballroom leadership, community organizations, and public health partners will discuss ways ballroom spaces can help strengthen connections to health resources, promote community education, and support positive health outcomes.
Participants will engage in moderated discussion and audience dialogue focused on practical strategies for collaboration between ballroom communities and health organizations.
Moderator: Michael Roberson
Panelists
Jacen Bowman
Harold Phillips
Jonovia Chase
Sean Coleman
Shannon Garçon
Christina Mugler
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS ONE
Attendees select one of four concurrent sessions.
Peer Networks and Community Leadership: House Structures Supporting HIV Prevention and Care
House structures in the ballroom community represent trusted peer networks that can play an important role in sharing health information and encouraging engagement in health services.
This session explores how house leaders and members support communication about HIV prevention, testing, and care, and how community-led initiatives can strengthen awareness of available resources.
Participants will discuss strategies for partnering with ballroom networks to extend the reach of community health information.
Facilitators:
Dr. Tatyana Moaton-Santiago Chanel
Ron Murry Lanvin
PrEP Education and Community Engagement: Expanding Awareness of HIV Prevention Options
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy. This session focuses on approaches to improving awareness and understanding of PrEP within communities connected to ballroom culture.
Presenters will discuss community-informed outreach strategies, communication approaches that resonate with community members, and practical methods for improving access to prevention services.
Facilitators:
Martez Smith
Jasmine Tasaki
Economic Opportunity and Career Development in Creative Communities
Ballroom culture includes a wide range of creative talents and skills. This session explores pathways for translating creative expertise into professional opportunities, entrepreneurship, and career development.
Participants will learn about financial literacy, business development, and strategies for protecting creative work while building sustainable income streams.
Moderator: Miss Lawrence Aga
Panelists
Jack Gucci
Jonovia Lanvin
Yusef Mugler
Simone Tisci
Jazell 007
Community Wellbeing and Support Networks in Ballroom Spaces
Ballroom houses often serve as important sources of emotional support and mentorship. This session examines how community networks contribute to overall wellbeing and how individuals can connect to supportive services when needed.
Discussion will include strategies for promoting supportive environments and increasing awareness of available behavioral health resources.
Facilitator
Kalvin Leveille Garçon
1 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Networking lunch with music and informal conversations.
Note: this time block conflicts with the next plenary in the draft and needs to be corrected before posting as final.
1 :30– 2:30 p.m.
MAINSTAGE PLENARY TWO
Community Voices in Ballroom Culture: Identity, Leadership, and Health Awareness
This plenary highlights the experiences of individuals whose voices are less frequently represented within ballroom spaces. Panelists will share personal perspectives on identity, belonging, community leadership, and health awareness.
Discussion will focus on how ballroom communities can continue fostering supportive environments and ensuring members have access to information about health services and community resources.
Audience dialogue will provide space for shared learning and reflection.
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Break
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS TWO
Attendees select one of four concurrent sessions.
House Governance and Leadership Development: Strengthening Structures and Supporting Emerging Leaders
Strong houses are built through clear structure, shared expectations, and intentional leadership development. This breakout session brings together house leaders and organizational development professionals to explore practical approaches to governance, communication, and leadership succession within house communities.
Drawing from ballroom tradition and established leadership practices, presenters will examine key elements of healthy house operations, including shared roles, decision-making processes, conflict management, and planning for future leadership transitions. Discussion will also focus on how houses can maintain strong community environments that support participation, respect, and member wellbeing.
Participants will engage with practical examples and leave with tools they can use to strengthen leadership structures and support continuity within their own houses.
Digital Ballroom: Social Media, Branding, and Online Engagement
Ballroom culture has long been rooted in performance, expression, and storytelling. In digital spaces, these traditions continue to reach wider audiences through social media, video content, and online community-building. This session explores how ballroom community members can use digital platforms to expand visibility, strengthen communication, and support professional and creative opportunities.
This panel will feature social media strategists, ballroom influencers, and digital marketing professionals who will discuss practical strategies for building an online presence, developing a recognizable brand, and engaging audiences in meaningful ways. Discussion will include content planning, audience growth, partnerships, and digital tools that can support income generation and long-term visibility.
Panelists will also address how digital storytelling can support community documentation, preserve cultural history, and share accurate information about ballroom life and community experiences. The session will conclude with discussion on maintaining personal wellbeing while navigating public online spaces.
Facilitators: Social media strategists, ballroom influencers, and digital marketers
Housing Stability and Resource Navigation for Ballroom Community Members
Stable housing is an important factor in overall health and wellbeing. For some members of the ballroom community, housing challenges can affect access to services, personal stability, and long-term goals. This breakout session focuses on practical strategies for understanding housing-related needs, connecting individuals to available resources, and strengthening community support.
This session brings together housing service providers, resource navigators, and ballroom community leaders to discuss factors that contribute to housing instability, barriers to accessing services, and the role community networks can play in supporting members during times of need. Presenters will also examine how houses often serve as informal support systems and what resources may help strengthen those efforts.
Participants will receive information on housing navigation services, emergency assistance, transitional supports, and tenant resource information. The discussion will also highlight opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to improve access to stable and supportive housing options.
Facilitators:
Destination Tomorrow (NYC)
House of Tulip (NOLA)
Kahlib Barton Garçon
Dena Balenciaga (Pittsburgh)
Project Legacy (CA)
TS Madison House (ATL)
Substance Use, Risk Reduction, and Community Support in Ballroom Spaces
Ballroom spaces are important sites of connection, creativity, and community. Like many communities, ballroom spaces may also be affected by substance use and related health concerns. This session provides a practical, nonjudgmental discussion focused on health education, risk reduction strategies, and community support.
Presenters including public health professionals, counselors, and individuals with lived experience will discuss common substance use patterns that may arise in nightlife and community settings, including alcohol, stimulants, opioids, and polysubstance use. The session will introduce risk reduction approaches that help decrease negative health outcomes and support safer environments.
Participants will also receive information on overdose recognition, overdose response, and naloxone access and use. Discussion will include ways to foster supportive conversations around recovery, reduce stigma, and strengthen connections to care and supportive services.
Facilitators: Harm reduction specialists, substance use counselors, and peers with lived experience
4 – 4:30 p.m.
Closing Session
Reflection, appreciation, and preview of day 3.
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Arrival and light breakfast
Morning music and informal networking.
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Brunch
Networking brunch with music and informal conversations.
Additional Day 2 details will be announced soon.
