How queer ballroom legends in St. Louis cultivate joy amid political and cultural animosity

St. Louis’ ballroom culture was born amid adversity for queer Black and brown people. The gatherings and competitions became celebrations of dance and performance — and they provided a community for trans people and drag queens at a time when the outside world made it dangerous to be their authentic selves.

Today, despite the targeted legislation against gender-affirming care and social persecution throughout Missouri and the United States, local balls like the ones hosted by Maven Lee, Vanessa Frost and other ballroom legends continue to inspire creativity and hope for the future.

Lee is the founder of TENS the Experience, a ballroom event planning company based in St. Louis, and pops up in other Midwest cities like Kansas City and Chicago. He told St. Louis on the Air that his 15 years in the ballroom scene is more than entertainment.

“I started off really discovering myself as a Black queer person. Ballroom really helped me find myself coming from more of a church community. I realized that a lot of people can benefit from this environment.”