Harlem After Dark Kiki Ball

Event documentation pending submission

Young, queer, people of color on campus often navigate institutions not built with them in mind. They experience isolation, tokenization, and invisibility while balancing academic pressure with identity-based stress. Young queer people across Pittsburgh–particularly in Black and brown communities–face similar struggles, seeking spaces that prioritize safety, affirmation, and expression. This event bridges campus and community, creating a shared safe space where students and local participants can build relationships beyond institutional bounds.

Ballroom is lineage, resistance, mentorship, and chosen family. Creating such a space centering this world ensures a specific framework that honors queer history, while providing participants an opportunity to engage in a dynamic, creative endeavor that fosters confidence, expression, and joy. In a moment where queer identities remain politicized, creating an intentional, culturally grounded space is imperative to our survival.

Since March of 2026, Princess Tati Baby Phat has been planning an on-campus kiki ball engaging students in ballroom, share their intersecting roles on campus as a CMU student and part of Pittsburgh Ballroom family. As an Arts Management student, they have a passion for organizing events that provide educational and recreational opportunities to the campus body. This event does both, a vital part of queer culture and educational opportunity for the campus community them on what this celebratory event truly looks like.

Hashon Milton received my BS in Policy and Management from CMU this past May and am currently finishing my Master of Arts Management. As an undergraduate student I was involved in a variety of campus projects that supported the livelihood of students. As an RA in Forbes Beeler Apartments I served as a person of support and mentorship for students by routinely creating events and engagement opportunities. I previously served as a Programming Ambassador for the center for Student Diversity and Inclusion where I spearheaded a series of Ballroom programming for their annual event series gAyPril. My experience in organizing has continuously demonstrated a direct impact on the student body that involves them in new activities. Additionally, I am an active member of the Ballroom Scene in Pittsburgh. I have also traveled to many balls out of state, and have a great knowledge of what a ball should look like and how to create an impactful one.

This project was made possible in part with support from Frank-Ratchye Further Fund Microgrant #2027-001.