ADAPT Community Network filled the Whitney with music, dancing, and rainbow lights on June 18th at the 4th Annual Radical Joy Ball! The Radical Joy Ball, an ADAPT Pride Month tradition, is a celebration in collaboration with the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan. The show incorporates a runway, music, skits, and dancing to create a one-of-a-kind experience. 

The Radical Joy Ball, originally a virtual event, was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring joy and a sense of belonging in a time of isolation. It aimed to display the vibrancy and intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and disability communities through fashion and artistic expression.  

“The name ‘Radical Joy’ stems from…building bridges, creating greater strength, and forming communities based on solidarity and inclusion,” Alicia Angevine, the Ball’s emcee, said. 

The event’s theme this year was “Rebel with a Cause,” selected because of the LGBTQIA+ community’s historical role as the vanguard of change and progress. As the seats filled, the show began with an interpretive skit and dance performance. Then, the runway stars strutted across the room, showing off their original designs. The outfits were an explosion of color and creativity, each portraying an iconic “rebel” like Marsha P. Johnson, Judy Heumann, and Joan of Arc. 

“I’ve been doing it for three years and I love it,” said Dani Cole, who modeled a Colin Kaepernick-inspired look. “It’s all about community and hanging out with my friends and having a good time.” 

Attendees were honored with the presence of drag queens Magenta, who gave an incredible dance performance, and Miz Jade, who read “Mae Among the Stars” to an enthusiastic audience. As is tradition, audience members were invited to strut the runway, and it was a spectacular ending bringing together community members, staff, people supported, and even partners from AHRC NYC. 

As an inclusive organization, we strive to create joyful and expressive experiences for LGBTQIA+ members of the ADAPT community. We would like to thank everyone involved in the Radical Joy Ball, including the Whitney team, our own Community Outreach team, emcee Alicia Angevine, special guests Magenta and Miz Jade, the models/designers/performers, and everyone from the community who showed up and showed out for the Ball.