When Latoya Watson moved back to her home in Ohio after years of living in Washington D.C., the culture shock was immediate. Although she grew up in the Midwest, she had forgotten about the lack of spaces for Black people to show up authentically and connect with one another.

“In D.C., everywhere you look you saw Black queer folks taking up space, having joy and community,” she said. “When I got to Cincinnati, I noticed the absence of spaces for Black queer people to show up as ourselves and let our hair down.”

This realization led Watson to create Black Wonderland. What began as community Sunday Fundays has since grown into a movement of events rooted in joy, connection and visibility. Black Wonderland hosts monthly events ranging from Beyoncé “Cowboy Carter”–themed parties with Black DJs and vendors to outdoor gatherings and quick-connect socials such as “speed-friending” and speed-dating.

Black Wonderland attendees dancing at a recent event.

Watson said hosting the events in public spaces is intentional, allowing the community to be visible. One of the venues, Homebase Tavern, was recently recognized by the Lesbian Bar Project as an official lesbian bar.

“It is so much bigger than just dancing and connecting,” she said. “Right now is the time to speak up and have a voice because we will just get left behind, so having these parties in the open is important. I really wanted to have my events somewhere where people can see us.” 

Although based in Cincinnati, Black Wonderland draws audiences from across the region, including Lexington, Louisville, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Columbus. The Ohio River doesn’t divide the community, Watson said, but creates an ecosystem where people naturally move between cities to attend events.

“By building Black Wonderland here in Cincinnati, we’re showing what’s possible when a community is built with intention,” she said. “We are not just a party series—we are building a movement rooted in joy, curiosity, and connection. And the fact that people are willing to travel hours to be part of it reminds me how urgent and necessary this work really is.”

Watson said she is deliberate in her planning, choosing vendors, DJs and partners who align with Black Wonderland’s vision of Black joy. She says her goal is always to raise the voices of those who are often overlooked and create opportunities for them to shine.

“I’ve even developed what I think of as a values matrix or a guide I use to make sure potential collaborators align with our mission,” she said. “At its core, it asks one key question: Do they truly understand the why behind what we’re building?”

Creating Black and queer centered events doesn’t come without challenges—specifically when it comes to funding. Watson is currently funding the events out of her own pocket which she says is an unsustainable model for Black Wonderland.

“Historically, Black-led queer spaces have had less access to sponsorships and institutional resources, which can make it harder to scale our ideas,” she said. “I’m working to change that by building partnerships with people and organizations who are truly invested in creating a more equitable, thriving community.”

Outside of Black Wonderland and in reference to the Cincinnati LGBTQ+ at large, Watson says the same few voices and organizations are at the table making decisions that affect everyone, while communities like those in attendance at Black Wonderland aren’t invited or fully considered.

“Queer Black folks have always been at the forefront of liberation, though our contributions aren’t always recognized,” she said. Part of my work with Black Wonderland is to change that narrative and create a visible, vibrant space that reminds people we are here, we matter, and we deserve to be part of shaping the spaces that impact us.” 

DJ Trub (left), Latoya Watson (center), and DJ K Chantà (left) at a Black Wonderland event.

Watson envisions Black Wonderland becoming a regional hub for Black queer joy and connection, offering spaces for people to explore, grow and build community together. She emphasized that the project’s growth will remain collaborative, shaped by ongoing conversations with the community through events, social media and feedback. 

“Being intentional is at the core of everything we do,” she said. “Black Wonderland isn’t just about throwing events; it’s about creating a movement. Every gathering is rooted in purpose and driven by community.”

Next Event:

Glow & Flow: Friday Night at Queen City Radio
Sept 26 from 7-11pm | Free
https://www.facebook.com/events/786425270463929/

Black Wonderland Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwonderlandgroup

Instagram: instagram.com/black.wonder.land

Website: https://blackwonderland.org

Email: [email protected]