Unbounded Bash Puts Queer and Trans BIPOC Performers at the Forefront
Television shows like Pose and Legendary have reminded us of the trails blazed by the queer and trans heroes before us. They have also portrayed ballroom culture and how underground balls were a quintessential part of queer and trans liberation. This Wednesday (March 16), Unbounded Bash will bring a real-life ball to Austin’s Coconut Club as part of SXSW.
Spearheaded by Unbounded Agency, Unbounded Bash celebrates queer and trans people of color, and will feature performances by various queer and trans acts. The bash will feature three different activations.
“We have At the Discoteca hosting the DJ showcase,” says Unbounded Agency founder Anita Obasi. “At the Discoteca is a traveling party celebrating Black music for the queer and BIPOC community. We also have live performances that will precede the Dirty South Ball.”
The Dirty South Ball will be hosted by Austin’s iconic House of Lepore and will feature previous cast members from Legendary, along with various regional houses, including Puerto Rican house, Laboratoria Boricua de Vogue.
Unbounded Agency was invited to be an official presenter at SXSW in 2020, however, COVID-19 forced the conference to shut down. Obasi, however, says Unbounded’s return couldn’t be more timely.
“72 hours before the events, we basically had to cancel everything,” Obasi says. “So it was definitely a really hard moment for everyone involved. But it's really exciting to be able to bring everyone back and put our best effort in. I think it was also a blessing in disguise in the sense that we've had two years to reflect on ourselves as a whole, and then come back to the table feeling more refreshed and renewed.”
Born and raised in northern Virginia, Obasi is a first-generation American of Nigerian and Indian descent. She arrived to Austin in 2013 after graduating college and landing a job in the tech industry.
Obasi worked with a group of people who ran a coworking space called Topology, a 2,000-square-foot warehouse in which she and her peers operated the space as a creative hub. The warehouse has since been torn down, But Obasi was determined to use her creative and collaborative spirit to make a difference in the community she holds dearest to her heart.
“I was trying to figure out how to take the ethos of that space and turn it into something that could exist without walls or without necessarily a physical location,” Obasi says. “And part of the ethos of Topology was incorporated into our own personal values. And for me, it was creating space for queer and BIPOC people.”
Obasi founded Unbounded Agency in 2018, with a mission to organize events centering queer and trans people of color. Unbounded Bash will celebrate the voices she sought out to amplify during the genesis of her company.
With a line-up of predominately Black and Latinx performers, Unbounded Bash aims to remind us of all the reasons why we love queer culture. Performers include Argentinian DJ Tayhana, Xa’Pariis Nike of Legendary fame, non-binary rapper Babiboi, and Chicago house legend DJ Shani.
“DJ Shani is very representative of the true nature and history of house music, which is something that, as it has become popularized has seen more of a ‘white bro-y’ face to it. We're excited to have her here to remind people of the roots of house music and specifically the depth of Black history in that space.”
Although Obasi now resides in Los Angeles, she is elated to return to Austin, the city she called home for six years. For her, there is no other city where she would rather launch Unbounded Bash.
“I think people forget that queer and BIPOC identities still continue to exist in Texas,” Obasi says. “We're all human beings who exist in this space and we need to take up space and remind people that we are existing and thriving.”
Unbounded Bash kicks off Wednesday, March 16 at Colorado Club. SXSW badge holders will have priority entry. RSVPs and more information about the showcase can be found at unboundedagency.org/sxsw.
Staying Busy and Slaying Henny! - Rising star Stevie Boi is not letting quarantine slow him down
May 5, 2020
Dallas, TX
New York based designer Stevie Boi has gained incredible momentum in the fashion eyewear scene with SB Shades. At just 30 years old, this Augusta, GA born designer has used his over-the-top sunglasses to style some of the biggest stars including Madonna, Ke$ha, and Amber Rose. While this is exceptionally impressive, Stevie Boi is no one trick pony. He owns and operates clothing brand SK8T, and is author of Shade Built my Empire, a book about brand identity and building a business from the ground up. In his self-titled vlog, Stevie Boi, he travels the world showcasing his brand and interacts with other fashionistas making stops in Iceland, Paris, and cities all over the U.S.
Even with so much accomplished, Stevie Boi knows it is imperative for any rising star to keep their momentum if they want to have a lasting career. So when a global pandemic like COVID-19 strikes, what does he do? One word:
Werk!
We got the chance to chat with Stevie Boi about his time in quarantine and some of his latest projects. And yes, he has been staying busy. So if you’re tired of being asked “Are you still watching?” then keep reading. Stevie Boi’s work ethic is enough to make any queen hop off their throne (couch) and get back to work on those passion projects.
Weslo: What have you been doing since the quarantine started?
Stevie Boi: Work! But also lots and lots of cooking. I wanted to use this time to focus on a new book. So with that being said, a cookbook seemed like the logical next step. It’s something I’ve always wanted to sink my teeth into, lol. So I figured, why not? I have also designed two new lines.
Weslo: Yas! What’s the name of this cookbook and what makes it different?
Stevie Boi: My book is titled Stevie Boi Eats presents: Season to Taste. It’s a personal take, based on my travels around the world. I have some unique recipes I’ll be dishing out from my time in Europe, and being the Georgia peach I am, I’ll be fusing them with some southern recipes.
Weslo: Can we expect these recipes to be accompanied by some fabulous photos?
Stevie Boi: Yas Queen! 80% of the book will have photos and I’m excited to say I am working with Michael Antonio and Nikon Don, some of my favorite photographers. Because of this pandemic, we have put our shoots on hold but that won’t stop me from working on everything else I can get done in the meantime.
Weslo: What do you plan on accomplishing with this cookbook?
Stevie Boi: Most of the public knows me for my design work and for being a video personality. But if you really know me personally, you know I love to cook. I think this will introduce that part of me to the world. I have been cooking my entire life. I can’t wait for the day I get to do tours and pop ups at book stores. That seems like so much fun.
Weslo: You also mentioned you have been working on two different lines during the quarantine. What can you tell us about those?
Stevie Boi: I have been working on my current line is SK8T, of course, but I have also recently decided to plan out my next two years of collections. One of them is incredibly vibrant. I think Betsy Johnson would love it, lol. The other line is Olympic-themed and features lots of gold tones. Can’t wait for you to see it!
Weslo: Sounds fun and ambitious. Is the Olympic-theme collection workout apparel?
Stevie Boi: Its a mix of athletic gear and high fashion, same but separate, lol. You’ll know it when you see it. ;)
Weslo: You were part of film that was to be screened for SXSW 2020. We know it was canceled due to COVID-19. What can you tell us about that project?
Stevie Boi: I had a small role as a model in the film. I was promoting my P!NK Collection. I actually still haven’t seen the film myself but I know it will be fab!
Weslo: Do you have any tips for our readers on how to stay motivated during this quarantine?
Stevie Boi: Yes! I would suggest finding three hobbies a day. I like to start with cooking breakfast in the a.m. I start designing until the late afternoon and meditate before bed. I have also been using a humidifier during quarantine to improve air quality, it really helps me relax. Lastly drink lots of water! I like to add lemon and cucumbers. I love to detox at least three days out of the week.
SK8T by Stevie Boi