On March 24 at 3pm, Q21 will be doing a deep dive into Black Ballroom culture! This will be an entertaining and engaging conversation that will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the creation and current state of Black Ballroom - a culture and movement that continues to influence many facets of queer and mainstream popular culture today. Together, we will be discussing and exploring where these influences can be seen, heard, and felt. Additionally, Q21 is grateful to host a very special guest for this session: Jordyn Samuels (she/her)!

Jordyn Samuels (see below) is an activist and educator in Toronto whose work has specialized in Equity, Anti-Oppression, Anti-Black Racism and 2SLGBTQIAP+ education since 2006. She currently owns a 6 year-old Equity, Diversity, Inclusion-based consulting service named Journeys InEquity. Jordyn (a past New College student) holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science from UofT, where she double-majored in Equity Studies and Sexual Diversity Studies. In 2008 Jordyn joined Canada's first Ballroom House, House of Monroe and was the first woman to join The Ballroom Scene in Canada, sparking her title "First Lady of House of Monroe." Jordyn is also an active member of Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance - a practice scene for Ballroom performers. After raising many queer and trans children in the scene, Jordyn is now Godfather of the Kiki House of Old Navy. She is very excited to be with you all today!

We are very excited for this conversation! Everyone is welcome to join to share their own experiences, learn more about Black Ballroom - in Toronto and beyond - and to identify Ballroom culture in so much of the mainstream music, dance, television, and entertainment that exist today.

If you have any accessibility needs that you require accommodations for to attend this event, please get in touch with us at sgdo@utoronto.ca