The Founding Father
Posted on 23. Feb, 2010 by Father Blahnik in Educational Information, Featured Content
It would be my pleasure…
My name is Damon L. Humes; but I am known to many as Legendary Jay Blahnik, Founder and Overall Father of the Undeniable House of Blahnik. For me, being a part of the ballroom community is a mix of business and pleasure. Though I am most known for Runway, I most enjoy commentating balls. I love having the ability to move competitors with the sound of my voice; through indelible and expertly crafted chants. Over my 17 year history, I’ve walked realness, face and fashion categories such as best dressed, labels and foot & eyewear. In addition to creating “Iconic” productions that have left ball patrons speechless, I have been equally recognized as a national role model for social consciousness and educational advancement. I’ve won balls in every location imaginable as well as won every award conceivable. I may be Father Blahnik now, but there was a time when I was just… Damon.
I joined a house my very first time in a gay club when some guy was trying to “get with” me. My friend pulled me away and told me that the guy belonged to a “gay” gang known as the House of Ebony. I didn’t know what that meant, but I soon figured it all out as the house brothers came over ready to jump my friend. The fight was avoided because I agreed to join the house. From that day forward, I was known as Jay Ebony. Though my admission into the house was not ideal, I have to admit I enjoyed the kinship of being part of the house. But after seven years, I wanted to break away to create an artistic dynasty; so that’s when I decided to create the House of Blahnik.
Putting this house together allowed me an opportunity to bring together African American and Latino gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons who were artistically gifted and who wanted social and political change. It would grow to be more than the average “ball walking” house; yet would be a beacon of hope. The House of Blahnik has morphed into a performing arts group who do vogue and runway exhibitions nationally as well as offers an annual scholarship to students to assist with furthering their educational goals. More so, the House of Blahnik works tirelessly in the areas of positive health promotion and disease prevention.
After nine years of making ballroom history, tragedy struck the House of Blahnik. Our friend and former Icon Mother, Octavia Saint Laurent Blahnik died. She was diagnosed with HIV many years ago and was public about her HIV status. Though people knew that she was HIV positive, no one talked about it. Shamefully, I felt like we could have done a better job providing her with support and community resources that could have sustained her life.
I know that HIV doesn’t discriminate and that anyone could contract the HIV virus; but I never thought it would have claim the life of someone so very close to me. Since her death, my goal has been and will always be to educate others about HIV. I will get tested every 3-6 months for HIV and other sexually transmitted disease. I am committed to using condoms and will openly discuss safer sex options with all of my partners; which may include outer-course or abstinence. In closing, I urge you to know your status and protect yourself by wearing condoms. Remember, your life matters so protect it!
