Bringing ballroom to Bangkok – in conversation with Thailand Mother Yujene Versace

From the lingo we hear slipping into everyday conversation to the choreography we see in our favourite music videos, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single facet of our modern queer lives today that hasn’t been shaped – or at the very least touched – by ballroom culture. What began in late 20th-century Harlem as a safe space for Black and Latinx queer communities has grown into a global phenomenon, spilling beyond the confines of the U.S. to countless cities across Europe and asia – including our very own Thai capital. That’s right: many of you might not know this but Bangkok has its very own ballroom scene, and it’s being shaped by a fierce community of queer performers and organisers… one of whom we had the pleasure of meeting (in the soaking wet crowds of Songkran).

Her name is Yujene – Thailand Mother Yujene Versace to you, darling – and she’s one of the most recognisable faces in Bangkok’s ballroom community. Since stepping (and dipping) onto the scene in 2020, she’s walked in pretty much every ball held in the country, organised her own Kiki functions, and travelled across Asia to compete, snatching trophies in categories from Face and Realness to Sex Siren and FQ (Femme Queen) Performance. In July 2024, she joined the Legendary Kiki House of Versace, one of the most established names in the ballroom world, and soon after was deemed Thailand Mother by Asia Father Hoody Versace. Beyond the runway, Yujene is also a mentor and organiser, running ballroom sessions for newcomers and launching projects like The Elemental Kiki Ball to create safer, more inclusive spaces for trans people and first-time walkers alike. But enough introductions – here’s Yujene in her own words.

Can you tell us about how you were first introduced to ballroom culture and what made you want to be a part of it?

It really started from my love of dance. I’ve always been drawn to more feminine styles, and when I first joined a Vogue session, it felt like being a fish finally thrown back into water – I had found my place. From then on, I joined every activity I could in Bangkok, whether it was classes, sessions, or balls.

What was the ballroom scene in Bangkok like when you started?

When I first joined, the scene in Thailand was very small. I remember we only had one or two balls a year, and training sessions happened maybe once every two or three months. There were only about 5–10 people in the scene, and internationally, especially in Europe and the U.S., hardly anyone knew ballroom even existed in Thailand.

Congrats on being crowned Thailand Mother of the Legendary Kiki House of Versace! How did that feel, and what does that title mean to you personally?

Before I officially became a Mother, I was already playing that role, organising events and sharing the knowledge I’d gained abroad with the community here. So in many ways, nothing really changed when I received the title, but it did give me more visibility and, of course, more responsibility. I won’t deny there’s pressure that comes with it, but above all, I feel deeply honoured to be recognised and to care for my house family.

What’s the most exciting thing about being part of a worldwide ballroom family?

The connections. It’s so exciting to be able to meet and bond with house members all over the world, even in places I’ve never visited. We exchange knowledge, support each other, and share love across borders. That global sense of family is what makes it truly special.

Who or what are your biggest inspirations?

My biggest inspirations are trans women – Femme Queens – everywhere, who have made history and fought to show our existence in this world, both inside and outside the ballroom scene.

The Elemental Kiki Ball sounds like such an incredible initiative! What inspired you to create it, and what do those sessions look like?

Travelling across Asia to compete at balls, I noticed that in many countries, events happen almost every month – sometimes two or three times a month. That’s the best way to train and learn as part of the ballroom scene. In Thailand, though, we didn’t have leaders who could consistently organise, and the economy makes it difficult to host events often. That’s why I created the Elemental Kiki Ball project – to give young people here a chance to experience ballroom culture without having to leave the country. We started with just 15–20 people in a dance studio, and the most recent ball welcomed over 300 participants from across Asia.

Why is creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans people, so important?

Even if the world claims to be more accepting of LGBTQ+ people, we can’t deny that hatred still exists everywhere. Safe spaces allow us to be our authentic selves without judgment, discrimination, or ridicule. They’re essential for us to thrive and feel free.

How would you like to see both your house and the wider Bangkok ballroom community grow in the future?

I hope to see both the Bangkok ballroom scene and communities across Thailand grow not just in numbers but in quality as well. I also wish for more recognition and support from outside the ballroom, whether from the government or private organisations, so that we can finally have a secure space of our own.

What advice would you give to a newcomer who wants to get involved?

Don’t be afraid to be yourself and show the world that you exist. And don’t be afraid to join us – no matter who you are, this space will always welcome you.

On that note, where can people find out about upcoming balls or sessions you’re hosting?
You can follow updates on my Instagram, @abouttearth, or on my house page, @hausofversace.th.