Xander Khoury Opens Up About Creating Safe Spaces For Queer And Trans People, Even When It’s Hard

BFOZ: When we talk about community in these spaces, how can people that show up for the first time or people that have been coming into the space for a long time show up, support and be proud and give people, whether beginner or expert, the love?

Xander: Yeah, I think community’s a word that’s sometimes thrown around a lot, but it really is at the core of what ballroom is. You’re in a room full of a lot of oppressed people, people who have a lot of struggles. And this is for some people, the only place where they can come and be themselves and be accepted, or be celebrated.

It’s important for people that are stepping into this space for the first time to remember that, and move with grace as they navigate through that. Remember your privilege, whoever you are, wherever you are — if it’s not for you, it’s just about giving flowers and giving and celebrating those people all the time.

Come ready, come prepared. [Study] your history and respect the space.