GMHC presents The Latex Ball®Saturday, June 22, 2024
Terminal 5
610 West 56 Street
Ballroom Tapestries
Tapestries are defined as thick textile fabrics with woven colored threads or embroidered designs on canvas for display and admiration. They display stories about the past, present, and future. Similarly, ballroom families are closely connected, sewing together their joyous, courageous, and challenging moments to create a safe environment and display the stories of ballroom life. These tapestries are showcased in the categories on the runway, allowing all to appreciate and admire the collective work and legacy of ballroom ancestors.
The theme, “Ballroom Tapestries” is a celebration of the ballroom community and its rich history. The Latex Ball was founded by members of the ballroom scene who recognized the need for unity and support within the community. This year, 70% of the competition categories were created by some members of the NY/NJ Ballroom Alliance. We are seeking the most captivating, lavish, and innovative ballroom performances this year.
CASH AMOUNTS WILL BE ADDED SOON FOR THE PRIZES
VOGUE
Team Fem Queen Performance
We love to witness the girls showing up and showing out! For too long, there has been a divide among many talented individuals who represent this category. Tonight, let's bridge that gap by pairing the New Girl (4 years or less) with a Seasoned Girl (5 years and up) to create something LEGENDARY and Memorable! It's time to end the division and unite in celebration of talent, creativity, and solidarity. Bring it in a colorful matching catsuit. Remember, you’re a team.
2 Trophies
Open to All Old Way vs. New Way
Let’s take the Old Way and trace it back to its origins, when it belonged to the Houses. The Old Way serves as the foundation for all voguing styles. The New Way is a form of contemporary voguing that emerged as a rebellion against the traditional Old Way style. Bring it in a martial arts uniform and ready to battle. 2 Trophies
Open to All Legendary Performance (Any Type of Performance)
For countless years, you have been honored, revered, and emulated for your exceptional voguing skills. These accolades are well-deserved, and tonight, we eagerly anticipate your remarkable performance. Bring it in white, head to toe.
1 Trophy
Women’s Performance
“Shine Bright Like a Diamond”
We want to honor the women of VOGUE. Women’s Performance has become one of the highlights in ballroom. Let your passion shine like a diamond. Tonight, in recognition of your resilience and brilliance, show us your diamond-inspired look of choice and perform as the DIVA you are. We see you, and we celebrate your sparkles. 1 Trophy
“The Anime Takeover”
Diversity in the world of Anime was lacking for years, but lately more diverse characters have been emerging and representing them respectfully. Tonight is your chance to take center stage and showcase why representation matters. Bring your best interpretation of your assigned Anime character to life, demonstrating the importance of seeing diverse faces on screen. (Do your research in the representation of each character’s look.)
1. Butch Queen Vogue Fem Soft
Yoruichi Shihōin is a character in the Anime show Bleach who is known for her speed in combat. She has the ability to transform into a black cat for long periods of time. She can take out groups of enemies in the blink of an eye. Not many people will challenge her because they know if they did, an extremely tough fight awaits them. 1 Trophy
2. Butch Queen Vogue Fem Dramatics
USOPP (One Piece) Usopp likes to play pranks on his crew members. In extremely stressful situations, Usopp has proven to be far more courageous than he believes himself to be. He shows great resolve when his friends are threatened or mocked by outsiders. 1 Trophy
3. Realness w/Twist
Afro Samurai one of the most iconic black Anime characters. Afro is a Black Samurai with enhanced strength and durability who seeks revenge. Afro is a highly skilled swordsman who can deflect crossbow bolts and bullets and even fight in the air. He is ruthless in battle, and people have considered him a monster because of it. 1 Trophy
REALNESS
Male Figure Realness
The Trio “Process of Elimination”
Tonight, in teams of three bring us a story that represents your realness! Bring us a story that reflects you. Choose your realness: Thug, Pretty Boy, School Boy, Transmen, or Executive. You can mix it up with 3 different types of realness or it can be 3 of the same but remember it's elimination style. 3 Trophies
Fem Queen Realness
“Remembrance”
Tonight, we gather to honor and uplift the lives of trans women worldwide who are no longer with us. We kindly ask that you wear a T-shirt commemorating someone you wish to remember, paired with jeans. Let us collectively bring these individuals to the forefront of our minds and hearts. Additionally, please remember to bring a rose as a symbol of our respect and love for those we have lost. 1 Trophy
Runway
“Mirror Me, Mirror You”
Imitation is "the sincerest form of flattery" because it's a way of paying someone a genuine compliment. However, some say that imitation is not always flattering… Tonight, it's all about celebrating Ballroom culture and the iconic looks that have graced the runway. Show your reverence by recreating a look from a runway rival, an inspiring figure, or a “I would’ve ate that look.”. Pick a look whether it’s paying homage, or you just didn’t see it and rock it, your way.
(Do your research, bring your reference. Must be a Fab and Memorable Effect.)
Butch Queen 1 Trophy
Open to All All American 1 Trophy
Women’s Runway 1 Trophy
Fem Queen Runway 1 Trophy
Drags Runway 1 Trophy
OTA Legendary Runway 1 Trophy
FASHION
Open to All Foot, Eye & Bag
1 Old, and 2 New
You have been a collector of pieces over the years and tonight we want to see what's still in the back of your closet. Tonight bring to the stage something old but it’s still a showstopper and any two new pieces of your choice, remember foot, eye, and bag darlings. Male Figure, Female Figure 2 Trophies
Open to All Sneaker vs. Sneaker
International Heist
The renowned Louvre Museum is home to a collection of invaluable artworks. Artists are granted the opportunity to replicate these masterpieces up close. Tonight, utilize your sneakers as a canvas to recreate a famous piece from the Parisian Museum. 1 Trophy
Open to All Team High Fashion-Urban Streetwear
1 Urban and 1 High Fashion Streetwear
Supreme, Heron Preston, Off-White, Aimé Leon Dore, 1017 ALYX 9SM, to name a few…These streetwear brands have gained recognition for their ability to blend high-end fashion with urban street style, resulting in a distinctive and edgy aesthetic that appeals to just about everyone. As a team of 2 from any house, create a cohesive editorial look that is timeless and worthy of the covers of Complex and Vogue. 2 Trophies
Open to All Bizarre
The category of Bizarre is known for its creativity in the ballroom scene, highlighting the artistic skills of fashion designers and the technical expertise of engineers. These artists cannot be confined to a specific style. They need the freedom to express themselves and surprise the audience with their unique creations. Show us your most unconventional presentation tonight and let your imagination run wild. 1 Trophy
Open to All Best Dressed
What Does It Takes to Make the International Best Dressed List? Let us know it!
Male Figure/Female Figure
2 Trophies
Face
"Facing Your Roots"
Tonight, we are highlighting the uniqueness of beauty standards by embracing diversity. Take this opportunity to showcase the beauty and traditions of your countries and culture through your presentation. Come in a look that best displays your heritage and beauty. Let's ensure that we respect each other's cultures by avoiding cultural appropriation or imitating other backgrounds, and instead, honor the beauty and cultural norms of our own ethnicity and backgrounds.
Women’s Face 1 Trophy
Fem Queen Face 1 Trophy
Butch Queen Face 1 Trophy
Sex Siren
Open to All Team Sex Appeal
Tonight, while you grace the ball with your presence, does your allure remains as potent when clothed?! Display unwavering confidence and timeless charisma, while oozing sex appeal dressed in gala attire. Then peel to reveal. Form your team with combinations of your choice and let your presence convey sophistication, charm, and sex appeal with each step you take. (No Nudes)
2 Trophies
2024 Latex Ball Award Recipients
The Marcel Christian Historian Award- Duchess LaWong
The Octavia St. Laurent Trans Activist Award- Danny G Gucci
The Ross Infiniti Creativity Award- Patro Milan
The Avis Pendavis Angel Award- Keren Dumure-Versailies
The Pepper Labeija Image Award- Niambi Prodigy
The Luna Khan Youth & Action Award- Robert Silk Mason
The Willie Ninja Supreme Award- Omari Oricci Wiles
The Hector Xtravaganza Xcellence Award- Tempress Margiela
The Arbert Evisu Wisdom Award- Romeyo Gorgeous Gucci
The Eric Christian Bizarre Leadership Award- Yohan Tisci
The Vjuan Allure Brilliance Award- Byrell the Great
Event Venue
TERMINAL 5, 610 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019-3512, United States,New York, New York, Manhattan
