After a long period of COVID-19 quarantining in Jamaica, we knew we wanted to bring the queer community here something they have never had before: a space of joy, celebration and safety. What better way than a ball! Ball culture reaches every part of this world and its history in queer communities, but has never touched the shores of Jamaica. That said, Connek JA took on the task of bringing the Ball scene to Jamaica and Doll Ball is the 1st and only ball in history to be on the island!
Doll Ball along with other events in Kingston have brought the Connek Ja mission full circle: “Connek trips” granting foreigner travelers and the community in Jamaica access to each other, supporting our community on the island, working with our ambassadors and changing the narrative around queerness in Jamaica.
Connek Ja worked with Ragga Nyc sponsored by @blacktranstravelfund to host the DOLL BALL 3: DANCEHALL COUTURE and a Ballroom 101 course November 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.
With the legendary Commentator @iamleggoh (NYC) @fatoumata (NYC) @missimanhill (NYC) and local boo @illusinator (KINGSTON), judges @devinmichaellowe @morticiagodiva@iv.fischer @uncleeli @rachelleighscott@glen.divo, DJs @byrellthegreat (NYC) @deejayanash @djvickyanalog @venom the event was a success!
Categories are: Runway, Performance, Face, Best Dressed House, Sex Siren.
photography by @austin
Sapphic x Connek Halloween 2023!
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, Sapphic Ghouls Night full a bare gyal a bubble!
⚠️Costumes strictly enforced ⚠️
Early Birds are out with our ambassadors and online here!
#sapphicja #womxnonly#QueerQueensOfHalloween
@marcilliofficial
@mars_hb_
@__bipovibez
@_jhan.chan
@zoelouise9900
@sudeanxpeters
@goddess.khali
Connek Pride 2023 x Sapphic
We at Connek are proud big up and be in partnership with @sapphicja for this Pride in Jamaica @equalityja 🇯🇲🏳️🌈!! WOMXM only queer spaces are imperative to build community globally and in Jamaica. Get more information here!
Get ready to dance the night away at the most vibrant and inclusive party in town - the Sapphic Street Dance Edition! This event is a celebration of love, diversity, and self-expression, where everyone is welcome to let loose and have an amazing time.
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with electrifying beats and a welcoming atmosphere that embraces all identities. Our talented DJs will spin a mix of chart-topping hits, dancehall anthems, and sizzling beats that will keep you moving from dusk till dawn.
**RSVP - To receive the venue location**
Connek Par
CONNEK was blessed to curate and hold space for some amazing inspiring artists, thinkers and creators from all over the world that were visiting for the Guggenheim Asian Arts Symposium.
THE DOLL BALL 2
In 2022, Connek JA created connection for the community in Jamaica—and YES foreigners joined! Connek JA emailed international travelers a recommendation document with all the details on how to navigate Kingston with our allies and meet up with us in Jamaica.
After a long period of COVID-19 quarantining in Jamaica, we knew we wanted to bring the queer community here something they have never had before: a space of joy, celebration and safety. What better way than a ball! Ball culture reaches every part of this world and its history in queer communities, but has never touched the shores of Jamaica. That said, Connek JA took on the task of bringing the Ball scene to Jamaica!
Jamaica’s 1st and only running Ball in history—and we are so thankful. We are in awe of our beautiful community here! Congratulations to the winners, and big up the the Connek family for inspiring us to foster the ball room scene here in Jamaica. Big up to all the category sponsors like @blacktranstravelfund, and to all of you who believe in what we are trying to build here.
We started this journey of bringing events and spaces of love back to Kingston after the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, and it’s one we couldn’t have done without you all. From our GoFundMe campaign in 2021 where we raised funds for @wechangeja, to Connek gala dinners with @yardyworld @tuna__turner, to fundraising parties with @ragganyc at @nowadaysnyc in NYC, to interviews with @loveinjection.nyc—it has been a long road to make this happen, and we are so thankful to all of you who have donated, shared our project, and helped us on this journey.
Connek JA is our passion project that we don’t profit from so all your help has meant so much to us. Support CONNEK’s next ball and help keep Jamaica’s Ball scene and queer community thriving.
photography by @marinaburnel
THE DOLL BALL 1
Jamaica’s 1st Ball - and we are so thankful. Forever in awe of our beautiful community here, congratulations to the winners, and big up the Connek family including @united_trans_creatives_ and @houseofblessings2021 for inspiring us to uplift, bring forth and foster the ball room scene from idea to reality in Jamaica.