The lingo, the language, do you understand the language?

Fem Queens breathe life into everything they touch and to be a Fem Queen is live innovation, creation and transmutation. The mission is to honor what is and what was, through instilling an understanding that Fem Queens, that trans women, are supported, loved, and heard. 

Fem Queens deserve their flowers now and shouldn’t have to wait until they have perished to receive them. There are Fem Queens making strides, breaking barriers, making history every day, amazing feats that often go unnoticed and get under appreciated. No more. 

Fem Queens deserve to be cherished, respected, and considered.

This showcase is an opportunity to uplift Black and Brown trans women in our community.

Join Portland’5 Centers for the Arts’ Department of Culture and Community for a Fem Queens vogue showcase and Queen conversation with host KEEKS in conversation with Midori Monét, with a performance by Chai and sounds by SLTWTR.

Artists' Bios

KEEKS (Formally known as MAARQUII) is an Arkansas born, Oregon raised rapper, singer, dancer, & multimedia artist, she informs her artistic practice through her southern & northwestern roots, & the spirituality that she finds through her Blackness & Womanhood. Weaving her works together through a myriad of mediums, she pulls you into her world of reclaiming space, honoring ancestors, & transcendent vulnerability. Artist Instagram: @isthatkeeks

SLTWTR (she/her) is a Gullah Geechee DJ and multidisciplinary artist from the Lower Coastal Plains of Georgia. She is a cofounder of @uwupdx, a trans/gender non-conforming and QTPoC artist collective in Portland, OR, as well as a member of the ballroom community, being a part of the legendary kiki @houseofada! Through her artistic mediums, she uses them as a vehicle to not only express herself, but to also acknowledge, honor, and represent Black culture, but more specifically, the lives of Black trans women, hoping to inspire others like her to do whatever it is they want to in life! She is an expert at curating a mood on the dance floor with eclectic music selections that will keep you grooving all night! 

Performer: Chai

Special Guest: Midori Monét