In response to the increasing government actions and the rise of violent crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community, I created the concept for a Queer Ballroom Night Club. For context, Ballroom is a subculture that originated in the 1970s, created by African American and Latino queer individuals in New York. It has since become an influential and celebrated cultural movement. Participants compete in various categories to bring pride, glory, and prizes to their "House," a chosen family formed by individuals who may have faced rejection from their biological families or struggled with being closeted. Ballroom has always been a space where people can unapologetically express their true selves, free from judgment. It thrives on confidence, love, and a sense of belonging, making it a powerful expression of resilience and identity.

My vision for this space was to honor the queer icons who have played pivotal roles in shaping and defending the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the key features of the design is the "Icon Hall," a circulation area leading to the upper floors of the club. This space is adorned with black-and-white portraits of influential queer figures, both past and present, including Gianni Versace, Diana Ross, Cher, Crystal LaBeija, Divine, Venus Xtravaganza, RuPaul, Marsha P. Johnson, and Naya Rivera, among others. This tribute recognizes the trailblazers who have paved the way for queer expression and rights.

The maximalist design I chose for the space reflects the extravagant, theatrical, and flamboyant nature of queer performance—attributes that have long been embodied in the fashion and creativity of the community. Color, pattern, and materials were inspired by the bold and expressive aesthetics seen on the ballroom floor and in queer fashion. The result is a design that embraces camp—a style characterized by exaggeration, theatricality, and boldness, defying conventional seriousness and celebrating flamboyant self-expression.