The Chicago Ballroom Alliance (CBA), an initiative of the School of Opulence, uses Ballroom culture as a trusted and culturally relevant way to connect Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and transgender and gender-diverse communities with critical health resources.

Ballroom has historically provided LGBTQ+ people of color with chosen family, community, safety, and access to shared resources. CBA builds on that foundation by meeting people where they already are and integrating HIV/STI testing and education, PrEP and PEP education and navigation, safer-sex resources, harm-reduction information, and connections to healthcare within familiar and affirming community spaces.

By working through Ballroom leaders, Houses, community events, and trusted partners, CBA helps reduce barriers and stigma that can prevent people from accessing traditional healthcare systems. Our goal is not simply to bring people to healthcare, but to bring healthcare resources directly into the community.

School of Opulence is currently working to secure additional funding to fully relaunch and sustain the Chicago Ballroom Alliance so that we can continue expanding this culturally responsive approach to health, wellness, and prevention.