Bongga Disco

On Friday, June 16th, 7:00pm-11:00pm, “Bongga Disco” will celebrate LGBTQ+ identified members of our community and bring together Filipinx/BIPOC/Queer-owned small businesses, local Filipinx/BIPOC/Queer performing artists, and disco lovers to the historic Filipino Community of Seattle to celebrate diversity, community, and the arts.

The deleterious impact of COVID-19 on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities – small-business owners and creative workers, in particular – continues to this day. Many are still recovering from loss of income due to pandemic shut downs and decreased public spending in the arts. BIPOC communities, queer people, and artists continue to exhaust their resilience and creativity, leaving no room for a moment to take pause and enjoy life.

Inspired by the Disco era, a time in history that brought together the most diverse people on the dance floor, “Bongga Disco” event provides an opportunity for our local Filipinx, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ community members and allies to gather in a safe space and openly celebrate music, art, and queer culture during Seattle Pride.

The event opens with an indoor retail and art market featuring 10 Filipinx/BIPOC/Queer-owned small businesses – including jewelry, clothing, and art. A 30-minute Disco-themed arts and entertainment program will spotlight local Filipinx/BIPOC/Queer performing artists, including singers, dancers, and musicians. The evening will culminate in a costume contest and social dancing to disco music.

Admission is open to the public and is free for LGBTQ+ teens, seniors, and people with disabilities living in the Rainier Valley. Suggested donation of $15.00 for general admission.

Background and History:

In years past, FCS has hosted and presented LGBTQ+ and arts-related events including Miss Gay FCS and Mr. Miss and Mx. Gay Filipino to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility within the Filipino-American community in the region, and to raise awareness of diversity amongst marginalized communities through the art of drag and performance.

Current culture and arts programming include FCS Kalahi Dance Group, a tuition-free multigenerational Filipino folk dance troupe, and our new Artist in Residence Program, a space grant providing subsidized use and access to studio and office space for local Filipinx/BIPOC/Queer independent artists.

The “Bongga Disco” event is a continuation of our organization’s mission to support, promote, and empower marginalized members of our community living and/or working in the Rainier Valley area.

The event will be broadly advertised and accessible to the public via our social media channels including Facebook (6,000+ followers), Instagram (2,121 followers), Twitter (275), and our dedicated newsletter (330 contacts).

We plan to engage our long-time community partners such as PRIDE Asia, Pacific Northwest Cabaret Association, and El Centro de la Raza to provide broader community outreach support. We also plan to connect with Fil-Am Fashion Week, SEED Seattle, and Rainier Valley Creative District for additional support.

Independent producer/director/choreographer Bennyroyce Royon – who is queer, Filipino-American, and an immigrant – will be hired on as Production Coordinator to ensure a professional-level production outcome. He comes with nearly 20 years of professional experience in NYC as a Juilliard-trained dancer and a former Broadway performer.

Community organizer and small-business owner Jennifer Johnson – who is a Black-Filipino-American – will be hired on as an Event Coordinator to help with vendor and artist outreach, and to make certain that the event logistics and day-of-event execution is a success.

“Bongga Disco” is co-sponsored by Revision Arts and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, in partnership with the Filipino Community of Seattle.