The House of Infiniti and In Demand Entertainment present the 11th annual Social Status Ball, Friday, Oct. 25, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at ETA Creative Arts Theater, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave. Chicago.
A few hundred LGBT youth and adults will gather for this house ball event and educational outreach opportunity. Male, female, transgender, and gender-nonconforming youth and young adults 13-36+ from a diversity of background are expected.
This event will include food, outreach, health screenings, rapid HIV testing, a performing and visual arts componentalso referred to as a "ball," which includes presentations, performances, talent competitions, fashion shows, drag shows, and more normally cultivated at drop-in safe space outreach centers with initiatives like leadership and ballroom category development. "We bridge the gaps to break the barriers," said organizer Solomon (Infiniti) Arnold.
This event is part of a long history of House Ball events on the South Side of Chicago to the East Coast and now internationally. The unique aspect this year is the tie-in with the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality. Dozens of youth will get free rides to Springfield to promote marriage equality, and receive VIP treatment at the post-March incentive event three days later, on Oct. 25, 2013.
The funds raised from this event will help cover costs of the youth participation in the March, including travel and food, and will go to prizes at the event. Additional funds will cover expenses of the event, which include venue rental, performer fees and food.
The event is also a great opportunity for businesses, media companies, social service and healthcare agencies to do outreach on a wide range of issues, including HIV/AIDS, general healthcare, LGBT issues and more.
Media partners include: Windy City Times, Gay Liberation Network, mymetronews.org, Pride Index and CAN-TV programs, produced by the community for the community.
The event program includes: Free mini photo shoot at 9 p.m.; Dinner and show at 10 p.m.; Special awards and introductions at 11 p.m.; First half of Ball talent competition at 12 a.m.; Second half of Ball talent competition at 1 a.m.
To purchase tickets in advance contact: Solomon Infiniti via email tokingquel@yahoo.com or call 773-495-1059. Facebook: www.facebook.com/marquel.love or directly from www.Brownpapertickets.com Via Ticket Link: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/456364, bpt.me/456364 or 11thannualsocialstatusball.bpt.me/ .
Each ticket sold in advance is $10 + a service fee of $1.34= $11.34 or $15 at the door before 10 p.m. and $20 after. Also, tables accommodate 6 people and are only $50 and up and include their entry of event.