July 27, 2025 | Aaron "Avant G." Mizrahi

Buda Mizrahi: finding family on the Ballroom floor

Meet the people who are igniting Milwaukee's Ballroom House scene with passion and heat.

Buda Mizrahi (photo by Glenda Mitchell of Our Lives Magazine)

"By just letting people be, and exist in their own way, ballroom serves as a space of belonging and empowerment."

“I am Buda 007/Mizrahi, and I walk Sex Siren and used to walk Realness with a Twist,” they say with pride.

For Buda, Milwaukee’s Ballroom community is more than just performance, it’s family.

“What inspired me to join was the need for a safe space to belong to, to just find my tribe.”

Ballroom became that sanctuary.

It wasn’t about fitting into a rigid mold. It was about freedom.

For Buda, the most life-changing moments haven’t necessarily been about trophies or recognition, but about teaching.

“The moments that always impact me are when I can teach others about the importance of Ballroom and representation.”

Sharing that history and power with the next generation is where their purpose shines.

The impact of Milwaukee's Ballroom scene

Though Milwaukee’s Ballroom scene is still growing, its energy is undeniable.

“Even though it’s still rising, I believe people are starting to take notice of what we have to offer to the overall Ballroom scene… and we love that!”

Like many communities, challenges exist.

“There are a lot of contradictions that still need to be accessed,” Buda reflects, noting that much of this stems from personal struggles rather than collective ones. Yet despite these hurdles, Houses remain vital anchors. They provide mentorship, family, and opportunity.

“By teaching and giving spaces for QPOC to thrive in Ballroom… genuinely!”

Milwaukee Ballroom also influences the city’s broader LGBTQ culture by bringing its own flair.

“We put our own spin on Ballroom and showcase who we are as Milwaukee natives. Through categories in balls, we show what sets us apart from other cities.”

Celebrating the visibility of QPOC individuals

Representation is at the heart of Ballroom, which makes QPOC Month especially meaningful.

“Because representation matters in all aspects,” Buda stresses.

To those outside the community, Ballroom’s impact might be hard to grasp at first—but education is part of its power.

“People fear what they don’t understand, and it’s your duty to try to understand what you don’t. We provide a space to come and educate yourself on these things and more.”

So how should Ballroom in Wisconsin be celebrated?

Buda keeps it simple: “Continue to throw balls and educate in those ways, show the difference in our cultures.”

Events, performances, and workshops aren’t just celebrations; they’re moments of visibility, resistance, and empowerment.

Preserving the legacy for Wisconsin's future

Buda is optimistic about the growth of the Ballroom scene.

“It’s going to do just that -- grow -- as long as we as a city continue to do the work.”

Buda Mizrahi

But for growth to continue, local support is essential.

“Show up, ask questions, and be engaged when we have these events.”

Allies can make the biggest difference by being present not just during QPOC Month, but year-round.

“Show up and show out!”

If there’s one message Buda wants the world to hear about Milwaukee’s Ballroom culture, it’s this:

“We exist, whether you understand it or care. And if you do care, be intentional about learning about our culture.”

This story also appeared in the 2025 Pride in Color issue of Our Lives Magazine.

Buda Mizrahi