Nunu Ford and Tavii Babii to Host Historic Dorian Jihad Birthday Ball, Projected to Become New Jersey’s Biggest Ballroom Event

A landmark celebration already widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and influential ballroom productions New Jersey has ever seen. Scheduled for December 14, 2025, in Newark, the event will be hosted by nightlife sensations Nunu Ford and Tavii Babii, whose magnetic presence and community influence have elevated excitement across the ballroom and entertainment worlds.

The event, presented by the Kiki House of Old Navy in collaboration with Dr. Pilar Scratch and H.O.F Tyra Oldnavy, is much more than a birthday celebration. It represents a major cultural moment bridging the creative energy of New York City’s fashion and entertainment communities with Newark’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ and ballroom spheres. The ball is already drawing attention for its unprecedented production scale, community-driven mission, and star-studded involvement.

At its heart, the evening will spotlight ten standout voguers and two celebrity headliners who will compete for the prestigious honor of being crowned House Mothers of the Night—one of the ballroom community’s most respected and coveted titles. The winners will receive a shared $1,000 cash prize, a feature cover in Disrupshion Magazine alongside their celebrity House Mother, and a prominent billboard placement in downtown Newark. This combination of recognition, visibility, and reward marks a groundbreaking moment for participants, particularly rising ballroom stars whose artistry often thrives without mainstream acknowledgment.

For many, ballroom is more than performance—it is legacy, identity, and cultural preservation. Newark’s ballroom community has long served as a home for LGBTQIA+ youth and creatives seeking acceptance, expression, and belonging. The scale of Dorian Jihad’s event reflects that powerful history, combining glamorous spectacle with genuine cultural reverence.

The inclusion of hosts Nunu Ford and Tavii Babii adds an additional layer of excitement. Both hosts are celebrated figures in nightlife and entertainment, recognized for their personality, visibility, and commitment to uplifting queer spaces. Their involvement not only enhances the star power of the evening but also reinforces the event’s mission to honor community voices and cultural leaders.

In addition to its entertainment value, the ball carries a meaningful social impact component. In a strong act of community care, organizers will host a coat drive supporting homeless queer youth throughout the night. Winter poses unique challenges for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youth, many of whom face family rejection, financial instability, or discrimination. Attendees are encouraged to bring new or gently used coats, allowing the ballroom community to directly uplift and protect its most vulnerable members. This initiative underscores the spirit of ballroom culture: artistry fused with community, resilience, and love.

While many ballroom events are known for their flamboyant energy and fierce competition, Dorian Jihad’s Birthday Ball promises an elevated experience. Red carpet arrivals, high-fashion moments, and electrifying performances will set the tone for what insiders are describing as a “cultural turning point” for New Jersey ballroom representation. Production elements, lighting, staging, and media coverage are all being executed at a scale rarely seen in local ballroom circuits.

Adding to the anticipation, organizers have teased the unveiling of two major brand sponsors, expected to be announced in November. These partnerships signal a growing recognition of ballroom influence across mainstream industries—from fashion and entertainment to corporate branding and social initiatives. Such collaborations also reinforce the ongoing shift toward greater LGBTQIA+ visibility in national cultural spaces.

Behind the scenes, three key cultural figures are shaping the vision of the event:

Dorian Jihad, renowned celebrity stylist, is celebrated for his innovative approach to fashion and his steadfast commitment to uplifting queer creatives. His work has pushed boundaries across entertainment, and this ball represents a personal and cultural milestone in his career.

Dr. Pilar Scratch, an award-winning fashion icon, media personality, and humanitarian, continues to champion inclusivity and artistic collaboration in underserved communities. Her advocacy for marginalized voices has made her a respected leader both inside and outside the fashion world.

H.O.F Tyra Oldnavy, a legendary name in ballroom, is recognized for safeguarding ballroom traditions while guiding new generations of LGBTQIA+ performers. Tyra’s involvement cements the event’s authenticity and cultural grounding.

Together, these three leaders are crafting an event that merges creativity, representation, and community building—an embodiment of what ballroom has historically stood for.

Newark, a city with deep roots in Black and queer cultural innovation, serves as the perfect backdrop for the celebration. The choice of location reflects a commitment to honoring local communities while attracting attendees from New York, Philadelphia, and beyond. Organizers expect a diverse turnout ranging from ballroom icons and influencers to community members who have never before experienced a ballroom event of this magnitude.

As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Dorian Jihad’s Birthday Ball is poised to redefine what ballroom events can be—not just in New Jersey, but nationally. With its fusion of glamour, community impact, and cultural storytelling, the event promises a transformative night celebrating identity, artistry, and resilience.

Event Details:

Event: Dorian Jihad’s Birthday Ball (Celeb Edition)

Hosts: Nunu Ford & Tavii Babii

Date: December 14, 2025

Location: Newark, New Jersey