Prohibition.
That's the theme of this year's Stonewall Ball, Compass' signature Pride Month fundraiser.
But organizers aren't referring to alcohol.
“This time they're trying to prohibit communities and people from being able to live our lives,” said Michael Riordan, Director of External Affairs for Compass Community Center.
Organizers say the Lavender Lounge theme draws parallels between the Prohibition Era and what many queer people are experiencing today as lawmakers across the country target LGBTQ rights, drag performances, diversity initiatives, and other forms of visibility.
A century ago, politicians wanted to prohibit alcohol. Today, some seem more interested in prohibiting drag shows, library books, and even pronouns.
"We're kind of going through another prohibition era. It's a homage to the speakeasies that were around in the 1920s and 1950s that housed a lot of LGBTQ folks," said Lety Gonzalez. "So it's kind of like an honor to them as well."
During Prohibition, when alcohol was illegal in the United States, speakeasies were hidden bars where people gathered behind closed doors to drink, socialize, and evade the law. Many became havens for communities pushed to the margins, including LGBTQ people.
The Stonewall Ball, set for June 20 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, will transform the venue into a speakeasy-inspired celebration complete with cocktails, entertainment, dancing, and a few surprises organizers are keeping secret.
Yes, the Stonewall Ball falls on the same day as Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors this year. An unfortunate conflict.
Compass didn't plan it that way. After a successful debut at the Kravis Center last year, organizers were eager to return. The event is traditionally held on the final weekend of June, but that date wasn't available.
“Last year, the Stonewall Ball was really successful,” Riordan said. “People seem to really enjoy doing it at the Kravis Center.”
Still, the two events couldn't be more different. Stonewall Pride is a massive outdoor street festival. Stonewall Ball is an indoor evening of glamour, fundraising, and yes, air conditioning.
“We've actually been encouraging people, if you can't make it to Stonewall Ball, get down to Stonewall Pride,” Riordan said. “Different feels, different events.”
Riordan also gave a special shoutout to the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council for supporting this year's event.
“Compass has long been the heart of Palm Beach County's queer community,” said Rand Hoch, founder and president of PBCHRC. “The PBCHRC Charitable Foundation is honored to help Compass continue these essential services.”
Compass will also honor two community leaders: State Rep. Rob Long, who represents District 90, and Ramsay
MacLeod, a longtime volunteer known for quietly stepping up whenever help is needed.
Tickets are available through June 17. The Stonewall Ball takes place Saturday, June 20, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The evening begins with a VIP reception from 7 to 9 p.m., followed by a dance party that runs until midnight. Guests can enjoy a live singer, music by DJ Lagato, a silent auction, and plenty of opportunities to mingle. VIP tickets are $300, while dance-party-only admission is $50. The event is open to guests 21 and older.
