Kenya Hutton has dedicated close to 20 years to working in social justice, equity, HIV prevention, and the facilitation of behavioral interventions among communities heavily impacted by HIV in NYC and Washington, DC. In this episode, Kenya talks about the Ballroom community and how it has been a stable for many LGBTQ+ members for decades now. He explains a little bit of the history and what he’s doing to persevere the history that Ballroom has been to many people who have been shunned by their own families based on who they are.

TAKEAWAYS:

[2:00 ] A little about Kenya and his advocacy work. 

[4:25 ] Why is Kenya so passionate about HIV prevention work? 

[6:35 ] What is the Ballroom Community about? 

[11:50 ] Ballroom has taught Kenya how to advocate for himself. Ballroom was a big force of strength for him and for many LGBTQ+ members. 

[18:10 ] What is the age limit for Ballroom? 

[22:15 ] Ballroom is a place for many children who have been kicked out of their homes for being who they are. 

[24:30 ] There are Ballroom chapters all over the world! 

[25:00 ] With Ballroom growing so rapidly, what are some of Kenya’s fears? 

RESOURCES: 

Capitalpride.org/team_members/kenya-hutton

Kenya on LinkedIn

Centerforblackequity.org

BallroomCouncil on Facebook

QUOTES: 

• “I remember myself being a young queer person feeling like I was the only one. Ballroom is what showed me that there was a whole world out there.”
• “I’m happy that it’s expanding, but I am hoping we can continue that the core tenants of Ballroom is still upheld as a community.”
• “People think we’ve gone so far and that we don’t need this stuff anymore, but the moment we get rid of it, you’ll realize how much you really needed it.”