LGBTQ+ ball culture will be featured at Auction Against AIDS.

Philadelphia Center annual auction against AIDS

The Philadelphia Center will celebrate its 34th Annual Auction Against AIDS on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 6-10 p.m. at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino in Bossier City.

According to the center’s director of development, Hershey Krippendorf, this year’s theme is “House of Icons.”

“It is based upon late ’80s ball culture, which was really big in the LGBTQ+ community. They would have different houses.

Back in the ’80s, that’s when the AIDS epidemic actually started. Ball culture was like these underground clubs that would have different houses. Different houses would compete in voguing and dancing,”

She said the contest was to determine who had the best house of performers, and many drag performers were involved.

“You would live with your houses because the LGBTQ+ community was so ostracized by family members and being kicked out of their homes because they were gay. These houses were like families where they could turn together and bring these performances. Their performances are like art.

Unique works of art will be part of the silent auction.

“That sort of drag performance is what House of Icons is based upon, celebrating the vibrant history of the LGBTQ community.”

Dr. Lonnie Mc- Cray, president of the Center’s board of directors, described the ballroom scene as a “vibrant world of culture and iconic balls, and at the heart of this electrifying community lies the profound significance of ballroom and the establishment of gay houses. These spaces serve not only as venues for extravagant balls but also as vital sanctuaries where LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, find acceptance, support and family. Within the exuberant realm of ballroom, participants showcase their talent, creativity and resilience, challenging societal norms and embracing their true selves.”

Of course, amid all the colorfulness and extravagance, the auction will have its usual large and varied selection of art and items for attendees to bid for or purchase. The auctions, contests and prizes are all to raise funds for the Philadelphia Center’s work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

2024 Philadelphia Center Annual Auction Against AIDS is sure not to disappoint with the exciting “House of Icons” themed event.

Tickets for the 34th Annual Auction Against AIDS are available now. All proceeds go directly to the Philadelphia Center’s programs.

The Philadelphia Center is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS through care, prevention and advocacy. For over 30 years, it has provided hope and empowerment for the community, providing vital services and fostering awareness to combat the epidemic.

“The gay community back then was not only being ostracized by family members, but they were dealing with the AIDS epidemic,” Krippendorf explained. “What we’re trying to do this year with the auction is, we come from a very rich, devastating history. A lot of folks didn’t have anybody else, so it was important to have people that look like you, or that you could be yourself (around).”

The night will feature local artwork from artists across the region, a silent auction and the return of fan-favorite contests designed to get the crowd involved.

House of Abundance, Barrel of Booze, sponsored by Central Station, is a chance to win an assortment of spirits and liquors in a specially curated barrel.

The House of Lockhart Jewelry Raffle, sponsored by Lockhart Jewelers, will give participants a chance to enter to win handpicked jewelry pieces from one of Shreveport’s premier jewelers.

“This event is not just about raising funds; it’s about bringing the community together to celebrate our diversity, our culture and our commitment to helping those affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Dr. McCray, who also serves as this year’s auction chair.

A sample of some of the auction items that will be on display and up for bidding at this year’s event.

Jacquelyn Barber, who has been creating designs for the event for many years, described the atmosphere as based on the iconic European ball scene.

“It’s kind of based on the whole house thing that Madonna did when she did ‘Vogue.’ We will separate the drag queens into teams, and they will be battling it out. Brandon Manning from Abby Singer is going to be our Billy Porter. He’s going to be the one to emcee the battles. It will be all about performance art, doing their best Whitney or Madonna or whatever the subject is.

“The film ‘Paris Is Burning’ explains the house scene in New York. It’s loosely based on that.”

Visit the Philadelphia Center’s auction website or call 318-222-6633 for ticket information, auction details and information on how to get involved.

www.pcauction.org www.philadelphiacenter.org Tickets are $70.