Unmasking Identity: Alex Perry’s Rise in the Ballroom Scene

@Yaqine Raw

“My name is Alex Perry. I am an emerging music artist and member of the Brussels Ballroom Scene. I won my first grand prize in the Face category at my first function, the Black Pride Ball 2021 in Amsterdam. Since then, I’ve won 15+ grand prizes mainly in Face and Sing Off but also in Body and Shake that Ass. Sing Off is a category brought back from the 80’s and one of my favourite to walk as a singer, songwriter and rapper. It’s also another way to express myself in a world where I’m constantly struggling and have to survive economically as a student and artist.”

@Oriane Verstraete

“Ballroom is a safer space to explore my femininity, something that I am usually uncomfortable with due to gender dysphoria. Ballroom signifies freedom, community and solidarity, particularly for marginalized groups like Black and trans individuals. For Black queer individuals, ballroom is nothing short of a necessity. It provides a sense of belonging and support rarely found in mainstream queer spaces, which happen to be dominated by whiteness. We need spaces where we can be free, and this is especially true for Black trans women. They need a place where they can be seen, celebrated, uplifted and protected.”

@Oriane Verstraete

“As a 007, I mainly walked major balls but recently I’ve been walking in the kiki scene. I might have Houses in prospect, but it’s an evolving thing, because I’m an evolving human being. I’m exploring options to find a House where I experience genuine connections with the members and House parents. And while I do appreciate my independence, it poses mental and financial challenges.”

@Yaqine Raw

“When I first entered the Ballroom scene, I didn’t know I was a trans person. It’s through contact with my trans siblings that I started to ask myself questions and eventually realized who I was. I always say that I owe my life to Ballroom, as the percentage of suicide amongst young trans and non gender conforming people is excruciatingly high. Without this community, I’m not sure if I’d still be here and if I was, who I would have become. This is why I want to honor those who brought me in and guided me until now.”