Strobe lights cast an array of colors on attendees, capturing them in a kaleidoscope of movement and poses. Androgyny and eccentricity were celebrated as a woman with a shaved head and sparkling makeup confidently strutted alongside a man in a flowing black dress. These individuals, constrained by societal norms outside the party, embraced the freedom to wear wigs, bodycon dresses, and adorn their faces with glitter and bold hues.
The inspiration behind the ball, Ayo Lawanson and Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim, were profoundly impacted by a similar event they attended. “We thought we were very queer and very out there, but going to experience a ball really changed our perspective of what it is to be queer and what queer joy really is,” Lawanson shared with the BBC.
Conceived to celebrate their queer-themed film “14 Years and a Day,” the event’s focus this year shifted to honoring Fola Francis, a pivotal figure in Lagos’ burgeoning underground ballroom scene until her tragic drowning near a local beach late last year. Francis was known for hosting and organizing major queer gatherings, making a profound impact on the community.
The Fola Francis ball provided more than just a space for celebration; it offered a sanctuary to express their true selves without fear of judgment or reprisal. Many spoke of Francis’ personal encouragement and validation of their identities. “When I first started going out, she was always telling me, ‘You look so good,’ and it got to my head. It made me confident in being myself,” one participant shared emotionally.
The ballroom culture itself traces its roots back to African-American drag events in the mid-19th Century United States, evolving into a global phenomenon with established support networks known as “houses.” TV shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Legendary,” and “Pose” have propelled this culture into the mainstream, inspiring similar movements worldwide.
At the Fola Francis Ball, participants competed in various categories such as butch queen realness, femme queen realness, body, face, voguing, and best-dressed, showcasing their talents and identities on stage to cheers and applause from the audience.
The celebration, a palpable undercurrent of fear lingered due to Nigeria’s 2014 Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which criminalizes LGBTQ+ identities. “I’m not 100% relaxed or secure. One minute you can be safe, and another minute you’re busted,” lamented a gay man, reflecting on past police crackdowns at similar gatherings. Many chose not to attend out of fear, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and safety.
Organizers made concerted efforts to create a safe environment, offering changing rooms and working with inclusive security firms. Despite criticism for allowing cisgendered and straight allies into queer spaces, organizers defended their decision, emphasizing the importance of allies in promoting queer visibility and acceptance in Nigeria.
Queer joy is one of the biggest forms of resistance, asserted Ikpe-Etim, underscoring their mission to challenge stereotypes and expand societal perceptions of queer identities. Author Eloghosa Osunde, a judge at the event, echoed this sentiment, viewing the ball as a transformative space where shame is diminished, and identities are celebrated authentically.
As the underground ball scene in Lagos continues to grow, supported by an expanding community of queer individuals, the importance of such spaces becomes increasingly clear. “Spaces like this are so important,” remarked fashion designer and judge Weiz Dhurm Franklyn. “Knowing you actually have a space you can call home, and be free, and be yourself without judgment, without prejudice—it is utterly important not just for the sake of having fun, but for the sake of living.”
The Fola Francis Ball and similar events represent more than just gatherings; they are powerful affirmations of identity, resilience, and community solidarity in the face of societal challenges. They offer a glimpse into a world where individuals can express their true selves and find acceptance and celebration, even in the most challenging of circumstances.