Beyoncé’s BeyGood organization recently partnered with her non-profit foundation to fund and host the first-ever Equality Ball. The event occurred in Las Vegas at the Palms Casino Resort.
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Queen Bey, known for her philanthropy through her organization BeyGood, has partnered with her non-profit foundation to fund and host the first-ever Equality Ball. This event occurred at the KAOS Nightclub in Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, August 27.
Co-produced by Beyoncé’s dancer, Carlos Iziarry, the ball saw the participation of Renaissance collaborators Kevin JZ Prodigy and Kevin Aviance. Notable figures from the ballroom scene, including Honey Balenciaga, one of Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour dancers, were also present.
The event celebrated the legendary House of Basquiat and the newly formed House of FUBU.
The purpose of the Equality Ball was to provide a safe space for individuals to express themselves, honoring and celebrating Black queer ballroom culture. In addition to the festivities, the ball offered HIV testing, voter registration, and access to information about local LGBTQ+ programs and services.
During the Equality Ball, those present took a moment to address the tragic hate-crime murder of O’Shea Sibley, 28, a young dancer and fan. Sibley was dancing to tracks off of Beyoncé’s Renaissance album at a local gas station when he was confronted and fatally stabbed by a group of men who hurled homophobic slurs at him.
His name remained prominent throughout the event, reminding attendees of the importance of combating hate and discrimination.
This is not the first time the “CUFF IT” singer has paid homage to ballroom and LGBTQ+ culture. Queen Bey dedicated her album Renaissance to her late gay uncle, affectionately known as Uncle Johnny, who passed away from AIDS.
Beyoncé’s mission to uplift these communities and shed light on their achievements is deeply personal and meaningful to her.
In other philanthropic news, icon Jay-Z, recently made headlines by raising an impressive $20 million at his annual Black Tie Gala. The funds raised at the gala, hosted by his Shawn Carter Foundation, will support students seeking higher education.
