CLARKSVILLE, TN − On Friday, June 13, Clarksville made history with its inaugural Black Clarksville Pride Ball, an evening rooted in ballroom culture, LGBTQ+ celebration, and unapologetic Black joy. The event, organized by a local team led by community advocates Tiffany Perkins, Keymonta Epps, Tonah Anderson, Malik Epps and Lekeshia Hicks, drew a crowd of over 80 attendees from across the city.
Held at Joker’s Comedy Club, the ball served as both a celebration and a sanctuary, providing a space for queer and trans individuals, particularly Black LGBTQ+ individuals, to be seen, affirmed, and uplifted. The theme, Eleganza Extravaganza, showcased fashion, performances, and community connections.
“This was more than a party. This was a moment of resistance and joy in a time when both are necessary,” said Tiffany, one of the visionaries behind the event. “We wanted to create space for our community to feel celebrated, not just tolerated and judging by the energy in the room, we did just that.”
Judges representing various sectors of the LGBTQ+ and Black creative community awarded trophies in traditional ballroom categories, including Face, Realness, Runway, and Trans Excellence. The event also offered resources for attendees, including local affirming healthcare information and highlights of queer-owned businesses.
“When Tiffany and I came up with this idea, I imagined a safe space for our community. A space where everyone felt seen, appreciated and loved. Hearing that so many who attended felt more free than ever before gave confirmation that we exceeded that goal!” Keymonta said.
The Black Clarksville Pride Ball was made possible through a collaborative effort between local LGBTQ+ leaders, performers, sponsors, and allies. The organizing team hopes to make the ball an annual tradition that continues to grow in scale and impact.