In the heart of Milwaukee, a legacy pulses through the rhythm of music, movement, and resilience, a legacy built by the House and Ballroom community, a chosen family rooted in love, creativity, and survival. The House and Ballroom scene has long been a sanctuary for Black and brown LGBTQ+ people, a place to be seen, celebrated, and free. Born out of necessity, this underground network of chosen families known as “Houses” provided more than just a space to walk a runway or compete in balls; it has created a vital refuge from the intersecting oppressions of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and poverty.

Within this culture, individuals who had been cast out or overlooked by society find affirmation, community, and purpose. The House and Ballroom scene offers mentorship, leadership opportunities, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. These spaces are not just social—they are transformational. They address key social determinants of health by offering emotional support, housing, food, access to healthcare resources, and HIV prevention and treatment efforts. In many cases, they were the first places where people could safely express their identities without fear of judgment or harm.

Moreover, the culture actively works to counteract the racial and health disparities that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ communities of color. From HIV activism to mental health advocacy, Ballroom has always been at the forefront of grassroots health justice movements. It provides culturally competent care and education in ways that traditional systems often fail to deliver, creating peer-led pathways to wellness that are rooted in lived experience and resilience.

A Legacy of Love, Leadership, & Liberation

My name is Ricardo Wynn. I’m a proud Milwaukee native, a Black, queer adult, and a first-generation college student who has spent a lifetime navigating what it means to truly belong. Growing up, my identity was often met with silence, misunderstanding, or invisibility. When I arrived at UW-Parkside, I quickly realized that just existing as my full self (Black, queer, and searching for community), was not enough. I needed a space where I could be seen, affirmed, and celebrated. I was destined to find that space. And I found it in the House and Ballroom community.

In 2012, I stepped into the vibrant world of Milwaukee’s underground Ballroom scene, a space that, at the time, was still largely hidden from the public eye, yet pulsing with creativity, resilience, and community. 

My very first experience in the Ballroom scene was nothing short of unforgettable: The Mattel Ball, hosted by the legendary House of Monroe and led by Mother Viza Monroe, also known as Imani Gorgeous Gucci. That night, the room came alive in a way I had never witnessed before. The House of Dimera packed the space with unmatched energy, elegance, and pure grace, electrifying the room with every step they took.

For the first time, I saw Black and brown individuals fearlessly expressing themselves through fashion, performance, and presence. It was more than just a showcase, it was a powerful declaration of identity. Every detail was intentional. Vibrant pinks, silvers, and bold colors lit up the room. Faces adorned in striking makeup, bodies dressed in fabrics that shimmered and flowed, this was creativity in its rawest, most liberated form.

The atmosphere was charged with music, delicious food, house chants of affirmation, and a deep sense of family. The love was unmatched. I watched as people embraced, cheered for one another, and celebrated their full selves without fear or hesitation. That sense of unity and unapologetic pride was magnetic.

What began as curiosity quickly turned into something more profound. I realized I wasn’t just witnessing a ball; I was witnessing a cultural force rooted in resilience, expression, and deep community care. The fashion, the energy, and the fierce competition were captivating, but what truly stayed with me was the spirit of belonging.

As I left the ball that night, I knew I had experienced something life changing. It wasn’t just an event. It was a revelation. That moment awakened something in me: A desire to know more, to be more connected, and to find my place in a legacy built by Black and Brown LGBTQ+ individuals who turned struggle into celebration, and survival into art.

In 2014, I took my first steps onto the Ballroom floor, not as a spectator, but as a participant. I walked in the Lego Ball, hosted by Father Chad Dimera, also known as Legendary Father Chad Alain Mikli. In that moment, everything I had felt deep in my spirit was confirmed: Ballroom wasn’t just something I admired from the sidelines, it was something I was meant to be part of. More than that, it was something I was destined to help grow.

Around that same time, I joined Monroe, Inc., a Black SGL nonprofit committed to bettering the quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals and their respectful families. There I served as a Program Coordinator, eventually stepping into the role of Program Director. I knew then that I wasn’t just dancing, I was stepping into purpose. And this was only the beginning.

I organized my first ball in 2016 through Monroe, Inc.: The Lemonade Ball, a Beyoncé-themed celebration where we awarded over $1,000 in cash prizes. At the time, this was a milestone moment for Milwaukee’s scene, a visible, joyful expression of culture and pride that brought our community together in ways we hadn’t seen before. From that point forward, my passion only deepened. I used my leadership and growing network to expand Ballroom’s presence in Milwaukee, determined to create more spaces where our community could be seen, affirmed, and uplifted.

Over the next few years, and alongside Legendary Father Chad Alain-Mikli and a dynamic coalition of community leaders including Stacy Clark, Willie T. Brown, Lorenzo Rivas, Antrell Jones, and LaMarshall Harris, we launched our first collaborative ball as part of the Empowering Community Action Initiative, a state-funded leadership cohort. As our capstone project, we created Homecoming Week, a multi-day celebration that brought icons and legends from across the country to Milwaukee and put our city on the national Ballroom map. That momentum led me to co-host my first independent mainstream Ballroom initiative with Legendary Father Chad Alain-Mikli in 2020, which was a defining milestone not just for me personally, but for our entire community.

Then, in 2025, 13 years after I first set foot in my first ball, I was deeply honored to be deemed the second Legend from Milwaukee. My Legendary title carries immense meaning not just as recognition, but as a symbol of the years of love, mentorship, sacrifice, and solidarity that brought me here. I didn’t reach this place alone. I’ve been carried by a powerful lineage of leaders, peers, and supporters, some still beside me, others cheering from beyond.

A Platform for Advocacy

House and Ballroom culture didn’t just give me a place to belong, it gave me a reason to stand tall. In the rhythm of the beat, the power of the walk, and the energy of the room, I saw possibility. I saw family. I saw a mirror. This culture, created by and for Black and brown LGBTQ+ people, is one of the few spaces where we are allowed to take up space unapologetically, to be beautiful in our being, and to turn survival into art.

But my connection to Ballroom goes beyond performance: It is deeply tied to my advocacy. I’ve committed myself to the fight for health equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and justice for marginalized communities. These aren’t abstract ideas, they’re personal. I’ve seen how racism, homophobia, transphobia, and systemic inequality intersect to harm the very people who’ve made spaces like Ballroom so powerful. That’s why I work to ensure culturally affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those navigating multiple, overlapping systems of oppression.

In my work, I collaborate with leaders and organizations who share a vision for something greater: A world where our community is not only surviving but thriving. Whether it’s pushing for access to health care, fighting for housing security, or advocating for mental health resources, I bring the heart of Ballroom with me: Its resilience, its creativity, and its commitment to care.

I also believe fiercely in preserving our history. Too often, the stories of Black and brown LGBTQ+ people in Wisconsin, and across the country, are erased or overlooked. I work to document and uplift these narratives because they are vital to understanding the broader LGBTQ+ experience. Our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs deserve to be remembered and centered.

In Closing

For me, House and Ballroom culture is more than a scene, it is sacred. It is where I found myself and where I continue to find community. It is where I learned that love can look like chosen family, that protest can look like a perfectly timed dip, and that healing can be found on a runway.

As we celebrate, let us hold close the understanding that Ballroom is far more than a fleeting moment, it is a living, breathing movement. It is protest wrapped in elegance, healing stitched into performance, and joy carved from generations of struggle and survival. It is where art becomes armor, where expression becomes resistance, and where every runway walk is a declaration: We are still here.

I envision a future where everyone has access to that kind of liberation. A world where we don’t have to hide, shrink, or compromise who we are. A world where being Black, queer, and unapologetic is not only accepted but celebrated. And until we reach that future, I’ll keep striking the pose.

Striking a Pose: My Dedication Photoshoot

On May 7, in collaboration with the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, GM Creative, and Our Lives magazine, I led a celebratory photoshoot honoring Milwaukee’s vibrant Ballroom community, a visual love letter to the individuals who breathe life into this powerful culture. More than just a showcase of style and expression, the shoot served as a living archive of resilience, love, and authenticity, capturing the essence of Ballroom as both timeless and transformative. While the spotlight shone on those present, this tribute also honors the visionaries and pioneers whose legacies continue to shape the scene, even in their absence. Each photo reflects a deeper story of survival, joy, chosen family, and identity reminding us that Ballroom is not just performance, but a movement rooted in healing, resistance, and belonging. 

When everyone gathered, I was amazed by the energy radiating from the Ballroom community. The atmosphere felt like a ball itself; alive with glamour, creativity, and pride. Members arrived in stunning outfits and brilliant accessories. The sparkle of sequins, the precision of high fashion, and the artistry in every detail created a moment I’ll never forget.

The shoot began with each House taking their chapter photos, and every House was responsible for curating their own coordinated look. This wasn’t just about style; it was about legacy. Many members shared how important this was to them, emphasizing their desire to be remembered. For me, it was clear: House and Ballroom leaders weren’t just showing up for the camera, they were making history. They were declaring, “We were here. We matter. Our legacy deserves to be seen.”

The second half of the shoot is where the celebration truly took flight. Music filled the room, the mic passed hands, laughter and support echoed through the space as members helped one another prepare. It became more than a shoot, it was a gathering of family, of shared joy and purpose.

The House of Mizrahi, founded in 1992, continues to be a force in the Milwaukee Ballroom scene off the floor. As one of its leaders, I’ve been deeply honored to see others follow me on this journey. The photos reflect their hard work and dedication. It also reflects power and ownership of who they are and who they will become. 

The House of Alain-Mikli, established in 2012, has long been a cornerstone of our scene. Under the steadfast leadership of Legendary Father Chad Alain-Mikli, they have consistently mobilized the community, especially through their dedication to public health initiatives across Milwaukee. Many members are also celebrated drag performers, using their visibility to honor Ballroom culture and share its impact throughout Wisconsin. Their presence reminds us how powerful representation can be when tied to purpose.

The Imperial House of Balmain, now proudly celebrating their 10-year anniversary, has also left a lasting imprint on our local scene. When I began efforts to revitalize Ballroom in Wisconsin, their members generously offered mentorship and guidance, helping me build a strong foundation for what would come. Today, two dedicated Balmain members represent the House in Milwaukee, uplifting voices and showcasing their gifts with pride. Their presence is deeply valued and their contributions both visible and behind the scenes are cherished.

We also made space in this shoot for Ballroom participants who are not affiliated with a specific House. Their inclusion is vital. These individuals consistently show up for the community and pour into the scene with heart and purpose. Many work in public health and use their platforms to promote mental health awareness, HIV prevention, and to address other health disparities affecting our community. Their work and visibility extend Ballroom’s impact far beyond the floor. Their passion and dedication to their craft is felt and seen through their images. 

I hope these photos spark joy, pride, and a deep sense of appreciation. To capture these moments is to honor a legacy that cannot be erased. It’s a blessing to witness so much talent, resilience, and love in one space, and to preserve it through images that will speak to future generations.