Breaking Down Barriers
Posted on 28. Oct, 2008 by Stephaun in Educational Information
October 20, 2008
By: Stephaun Clipper Wallace (Blahnik)
www.stephaunelite.com
This year, The House of Blahnik which was founded in 2000, delivers the 2nd installation of its annual scholarship program. This scholarship is intended to help LGBT people who have a house/ballroom affiliation with college expense and education. As the premier house providing holistic services to the house/ballroom community; the House of Blahnik recognizes the need to break down the barriers that society that has placed upon the LGBT community (especially communities of color). These roadblocks often appear in education, career/job opportunities, and health care. One of the newest crowned legends of the House of Blahnik is breaking down some barriers of her own as well.
Lady Blahnik, one of two Overseers of the Philadelphia region of Blahnik is not only breaking down barriers, but she is also working with members in her region to do the same. Lady, more affectionately called “Da Body of Blahnik”, embodies a truly nurturing spirit and zest for life and knowledge that can only be measured by her enthusiastic energy and commitment to see her region and the entire House of Blahnik reach its objectives. Being the overseer can be challenging, especially in a climate that is dominated by males. Lady states that she feel no pressure from the male dominated culture of the scene and adds, “I’m a leader, and mother whether I have the title or not. People treat me as such because it’s who I am.”
When asked about her attraction to the house/ballroom community and does being a female have any impact on her relationship with the scene, she replied, “Being around talented people, seeing there’s a place for us to have and show our talent without being gay bashed by ignorant people. Being a female doesn’t have an impact on me or my prospective on the ballroom scene. I think because I don’t view it as male vs. female, I view it as we all are the same (family)”.
She admits that she had observed the House of Blahnik for sometime before decided to approach them as a member, noting that, “they are respected, talented, and powerful on the runway”, also stating, “I’m very much a leader and not a follower…..Being a winner is what we already are, its staying a winner we have to work on” in response to what concepts she instills in the youth in her area. Some of her personal goals include a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, to own her own social service agency that provides services to children with mental disabilities, paying for her own child’s education, and “getting out of debt”. Of the programming and social services that Blahnik offers to house/ballroom participants, Lady comments, “I think Blahnik as always done a great job with given back and the scholarship is BEAUTIFUL! It allows people to further their lives and not depend on the ballroom scene. I think we should always remember we got here by someone giving to or helping us.”
When asked about her sexual orientation and whether that’s a factor in her relationship with the house/ballroom community, she replies back that she is a lesbian and, “No I’m a born leader whether lesbian or not. My sexuality plays a role in the ballroom scene. I think the ballroom scene is designed for the males. I don’t think they give us (females) enough categories in the ballroom scene. This is why we have woman’s balls now”.
Lady is in fact legendary, winning numerous trophies for Women’s Body, and even some for Women’s Sex Siren; winning the covenant Women’s Body of the Year (OTY) in 2006 and 2007. In regards to her history in the scene, she says she has been active since 2000, and was formerly in the House of Prestige as their Philadelphia chapter mother.
Regarding the house/ballroom structure and the leadership in it, Lady states, “I love that we all can be under one roof and have fun. I like being with my kids, I like to see them happy and winning. I dislike people being negative toward my kids and I dislike my kids being sad or hurt. Overall, the leadership of the ballroom scene is HORRIBLE. Why don’t we have a board where there’s someone from every house get together and meet like we do in our house meetings? They will discuss what’s going on in the ballroom scene and how we can make it better for everyone. They will also discuss who’s given a ball, when and where. Then we don’t have to worry about two different houses giving a ball in the same state or city, 2 hours away and people having to choose which one to storm. We all can have the chance to make money and be able to give back to other organizations.”
Switching gears slightly to a more personal part of the interview, Lady was asked about a few things that many ballroom people outside of her circle don’t know about her or her life, and she replied, “Wow! What has happened to me? Well, I’ve been shot in my back at the age of 16, I’ve sold drugs, lived on the streets, been raised by a fem queen and didn’t know she was a man. She left me in 94′ because she had AIDS. I was my mother’s problem child, but the only child with a college degree on her wall. I’m married to Ron Blahnik and miss the shit out of her!!!!!!!”
Wrapping up the interview, Lady wanted to make one final statement regarding her love life, stating that she is involved with someone and, “I miss my husband”.
Thank you Lady Blahnik for your time, and we all wish you the best in your journey.
