In celebration of Pride Month, MEFeater and TENz Magazine have joined forces to pay tribute to influential figures in the Ballroom community. These trailblazers continue to make a significant impact in their community and excel in various aspects of their lives. Amongst our iconic honorees, we have Tiffany Lucio, Devin Neal, Javier, and Durell Morgan. These remarkable trailblazers of Ballroom epitomize ambition, inspiration, and iconic status. To discover the complete Ballroom LSS Trailblazers list, click HERE
Meet Tiffany Lucio
Tiffany Lucio, also known as The Legendary Mother of the NYC Iconic House of St. Laurent, is a highly respected MUA with an impressive portfolio. Her work includes collaborations on various high-profile projects, such as major Pride campaigns and television shows. Tiffany has made a mark on the runway. She’s showcased exceptional skills in Women’s Face Runway performances where she holds legendary status.
She is a pioneering figure in the Midwest for CIS women in the Ballroom community and holds the title of the Chicago Mother of Escada Khan. Her creative contributions have been key in crafting impactful and memorable looks for the scene.
Tiffany’s expertise in makeup artistry extends to the fabulous women of Ballroom, where she has not only enhanced their beauty, but also secured significant prizes. In total, her winnings and those of her clients amount to over $30,000 in grand prizes.
Meet Devin Neal
Devin Neal is a versatile creative professional based in LA. He is known for his expertise as a movement artist, choreographer, model, and actor. His journey in dance began at the age of two. He learned various styles, such as hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, Afro-Caribbean, and contemporary at his family’s dance school in New York. Embracing self-discovery, he found his passion for ballroom dancing and has actively participated in the ballroom scene for four years. He represents the House of Balenciaga with his Butch-Queen-Vogue Fem style.
Devin’s diverse background has significantly contributed to his success in the dance industry. It has led him to perform on prestigious stages such as Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, Lil Nas X’s “Long Live Montero” world tour, and alongside artists like Doja Cat, Normani, Mariah Carey, and Karol G. He has also appeared on campaigns for renowned brands like Macy’s, Gap, Reebok, and Yves Saint Laurent Beauty. A multi-talented individual, Devin showcased his skills in various entertainment fields and recently premiered his documentary “KICK OFF,” where he served as the producer, director, cinematographer, and editor.
The documentary captures his experiences on Lil Nas X’s tour. It also highlights insights into life on the road, international travel, moments of stardom, personal growth, and the pursuit of self-discovery. Devin’s ultimate goal with the film is to inspire individuals who aspire to share their talents with the world.
Meet Javier
Javier (they/them) are a rising star in the Ballroom scene. They bring innovation as one of the pioneering GNC individuals and a key member of the GNC advocacy board in Ballroom. They are committed to fostering inclusivity in the ballroom scenes and are at the forefront of introducing new elements. With their unique style and charisma, they create unforgettable moments both on and off the dance floor. Despite their brief time on the scene, their influence has been significant, encouraging their peers to embrace individuality. As a visionary, they represent the future of Ballroom with a mission to infuse joy into the dance community.
Meet Durell Morgan
Durell Morgan (he/him), now retired, spent 17 years in the ballroom scene. He is known as the blueprint in the Kiki ballroom scene. He’s also recognized as one of the pioneers of the Kiki ballroom scene in New York. Durell has had a successful career as a makeup artist while competing on the runway, having worked on productions such as “The Color Purple” and “A Man in Full.”
He acquired legendary status in the Butch Queen Runway category in 2016 after spending over a decade with the House of Milan. Recently, he made his comeback as Durell 007 at the Garçon Ball in Washington, DC. This is where he won the “Legendary Challengers List” (a trophy) and advanced to the final battle for the 11K. Durell is a mental health advocate and will be launching a book focusing on mental health awareness.
From beauty and fashion to music and advocacy, these four pioneers are iconic in their respective fields, and they lead with grace. Their work continues to inspire thousands of fans and the LGBTQIA+ community all across the globe.
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