Times Square Arts and BTFA celebrated Black trans performers with drag, dance and music during the fourth annual showcase.
Brooklyn nonprofit Black Trans Femmes in the Arts brought both emerging talent and established performers to the crossroads of the world by organizing Trans Day of Visibility Showcase on April 2, featuring drag, dance and music performances that highlighted the work of Black trans artists in Times Square.
Headliner Lana Jarae, a contestant on Season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, delivered a high-energy drag performance alongside Miss North America Supreme 2025, Jada Black Lord. The evening also included a group performance from The Masterz at Work, a youth dance collective led by ballroom artist Courtney Washington Balenciaga. The troupe performed styles ranging from jazz, hip-hop, street jazz, house, African, vogue and contemporary dance.
“As important as visibility is, visibility doesn’t equal freedom, equity or safety,” said BTFA Founder and Executive Director Jordyn Jay. “And our community has possibly never been more unsafe than it is right now…Stand with us, stand with justice, stand with love and together we will win. We can make it so that we are visible today and liberated tomorrow.”
Music and DJ sets added to the dynamic program. Lita Da Doll provided a live DJ performance, while hip-hop artist Miss Mojo and Broadway performer Siss Thee Doll, the first Black trans woman to lead a national Broadway tour, entertained the crowd with musical numbers.
. Photo: Supplied/ Black Trans Femmes in the Arts
The showcase took place amid rising national concerns about anti-trans violence and political attacks on transgender and gender non-conforming communities. GLAAD reported a 10% increase in anti-trans incidents nationwide last year, with Black trans women disproportionately affected.
BTFA’s programming emphasizes creating platforms for Black trans femmes, supporting artists with resources, mentorship and visibility. The nonprofit works to highlight the contributions of Black trans femme artists while fostering community and advocacy through events like the Times Square showcase.
The organization’s work aims to offer trans youth and emerging artists representation and opportunity in spaces where their stories and artistry are recognized. By spotlighting the achievements of Black trans performers, BTFA positions visibility as both a celebration of creative talent and a call to protect and uplift the community.
