BLACK JOY DISCO Needs Your Support!

Workin' on my feet in the disco heat

Dancin' through the night 'til mornin' light shines on me, again

Music makes me dance, dance, dance, dance

— Sylvester | Dance (Disco Heat)

This past April, I celebrated five years sober. My life is so much better and brighter because of recovery. I know many folks like me in the community are searching for affirming spaces that are zero-proof and substance-free. The Black in Space Star Crew and I are creating this much-needed space with BLACK JOY DISCO - an Afrofuturist, zero-proof celebration of Black LGBTQ+ joy and culture through music, movement, and media.

I have poured my heart into curating a journey through space and time that celebrates Trans Pride Washington, DC, and DC Black Pride. The lineup includes performances by local luminaries like Riley Knoxx, Pussy Noir, King Molasses, and The Experience Band & Show, a pop-up shop, custom mocktails, and a dance party with Baronhawk Poitier and live drumming by Asha “BOOMCLAK” Santee. I am also excited because we are creating “Liberation Lounge, " a sanctuary that imagines a collective future where Black LGBTQ+ folx can thrive. The multimedia installation affirms and uplifts Black cultural practices of joy, activism, and wellness through projection, soundscapes, and art making, including the Chocolate City Wishing Tree.

The final hurdle is money. Our largest sponsor has been unresponsive, and we had several large unplanned expenses. I am committed to producing this event and believe we can solve this problem by working together as a community.

I am turning to my closest family and friends for support. You have been an invaluable part of the work I have done to build iconic spaces for Black queer and trans folks in Washington, DC. I seek to raise $5,000 by Friday, May 17, 2024. Below is a breakdown of the costs I’m looking to cover:

$1000 - Sound System Rental

$1500 - Custom Mocktail Bar

$2500 - Tickets for 100 Black Trans/GNC Community Members

Times are hard. Now, more than ever, we need community. Creating spaces for the community has been an integral part of my life’s work, and it’s an honor to move into creating new spaces that support exploring new frontiers. Won’t you join me on the dance floor?

Thanks so much for your support!

Lee Levingston Perine a.k.a Commander Lee a.k.a Afronaut Jonez