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Houston was ablaze with vibrant energy as The Normal Anomaly Initiative hosted its 4th Annual Black Queer Advancement Festival (BQAF), headlined by none other than hip-hop star JT. Held at Stampede Houston, the festival was a powerful testament to the richness, resilience, and artistry of the Black queer community. This year’s event elevated the bar, combining high-energy performances, entrepreneurship, and advocacy in one unforgettable celebration.

JT’s headlining set was a standout moment, electrifying the crowd with her commanding stage presence and unapologetic lyricism. Her performance wasn’t just entertainment—it was empowerment. She brought a level of visibility and mainstream appeal that reinforced the importance of Black queer spaces in today’s cultural landscape.

Supporting acts like KenThaMan a rising Houston rap star and SevnDeep who gave you that old school Bobby Brown vibes that added layers of musical variety, catering to a diverse audience with sounds ranging from hip-hop to gospel-infused R&B. Each artist brought their own flair, building a festival atmosphere that felt both affirming and exhilarating.

But BQAF was more than a music festival—it was a community hub. The event featured immersive experiences, food trucks, pop-up shops, and activations that highlighted Black queer-owned businesses. Many of these were graduates of The Normal Anomaly’s Project Liberate program, an initiative dedicated to cultivating leadership and economic empowerment in the community.

One of the most impactful aspects of the festival was its dedication to creating safe, affirming spaces. Whether through spiritual moments like the gospel-house DJ set, or through the debut of Houston’s first standalone Black LGBTQ+ drop-in center, BQAF made it clear: this was about more than a party—it was about progress.

Hosted by Krystal “Glam” Smith and social media favorite Chante added a element of Las Vegas charm. The ladies knew how to keep the audience engaged and provided a sense of humor throughout the show. 

The 5th  Annual BQAF succeeded in being a joyful, defiant, and deeply rooted celebration of Black queer identity. With bold performances, meaningful community engagement, and a commitment to liberation, it proved itself not only as a premier event in Houston, but as a cultural milestone for Black queer people in the South.

Photo Credit: BQAF