On Juneteenth 2025, Harlem’s Apollo Theater transformed into a runway of resilience, brilliance, and joy as Fem Queen Honors paid tribute to the Black and Latinx trans women who have shaped culture, history, and ballroom itself.

Hosted by Gia Love and Jazell Barbie Royale, the evening was equal parts celebration and call to action. Organized by Jonovia Chase with House Lives Matter, it drew crowds from New York City and Westchester. Creative direction came from Courtney Washington Balenciaga, with choreography by Craig Washington, Jay Parel, Arturo Mugler, and more.

“This event is a reclamation of Ballroom Culture by giving credit to the fem queens (Black trans women) who created the culture,” said Jonovia Chase. “Due to the erasure, these women are often invisibilized. FQ Honors is an act of resistance, because rarely do Black trans women get to take up space in this kind of way. This is a call to action, a disruption to a society that bars Black trans women access, resources, and rights and wants us to believe that we do not matter. This is an event to challenge the status quo, and to challenge  transphobia in the community and globally."