Southern Kiki Leaders Collective

Advancing community health and legal rights for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ and gender-expansive young people in the South through peer-led programs, legal empowerment, and advocacy.

Cultivating leadership and community health in the Southern kiki ballroom scene

The SKLC is a grassroots youth leadership pipeline designed to empower Black, LGBTQIA2S+, and gender-expansive youth across the Southern U.S. through culturally relevant sexual health advocacy, legal education, workforce development, and systems navigation. Founded by Princess Jauan Durbin-Louboutin, SKLC centers the kiki ballroom community.

Program goals:

  • Expand access to HIV & STI self-testing, PrEP/PEP navigation, and sexual health education.

  • Equip youth with legal literacy through workshops and clinics (e.g., name/gender marker changes, housing rights)

  • Create workforce development pipelines through job-readiness and peer-leadership fellowships.

  • Elevate and incentivize youth leadership in the ballroom community through advocacy and education on a local and regional level

Signature Activations:

  • Embassy Ball (2024) – Atlanta City Hall
    An exhibition-style kiki ball centering youth expression, competition, and community. Participants competed for trophies and cash prizes while accessing on-site resources from partners across health and advocacy sectors, creating a space where Kiki ballroom culture and wellness intersect.

  • CORE Summit (2026) – Morehouse College (in collaboration with Morehouse Adodi)
    A youth-centered conference focused on wellness, HIV prevention, youth leadership and sustainable living. Through breakout sessions, youth and adult panels, and peer-led dialogue, young leaders shared lived experiences and built knowledge, community, and pathways to care and empowerment.

  • Glow Ball 3000 (2026) – Illuminarium Atlanta
    A futuristic-themed kiki ball designed for young people to compete, connect, and share joy. Featuring cash prize categories, this activation created an affirming space for joy while integrating access to health resources, community networks, and the Kiki ballroom scene.

SKLC is continuously growing, expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and building new pathways for youth across the South. As we continue to create space, share resources, and uplift leadership, we remain rooted in one truth.

In community, we thrive.