The New Orleans genre known as bounce, which came into being in the late ’90s, is being documented and celebrated in an upcoming exhibit at New York’s Abrons Art Center. Titled “Where They At,” the exhibition is casting a special spotlight on the sissy bounce genre, whose practitioners are among the most outspoken queer and transgendered performers in all of hip-hop. Featuring portraits of performers such as Big Freedia, Katey Red, and Sissy Nobby, the exhibit also tells the story of a community which, despite displacement by Hurricane Katrina, has continued to challenge the rampant sexism and homophobia of many male MCs. For a superb taste of the sissy bounce sound, check out the Dre Skull podcast from a while back, as well as some of the fashion shots of the genre’s icons below which ran in 2008’s style issue.

All photographs by Ports Bishop

Big Freedia

Big Freedia & Katey Red

Sissy Nobby

UPCOMING “WHERE THEY AT” EVENTS

February 11, 2010, 6-9 pm: Opening at the Abrons Art Center/Henry Street Settlement
466 Grand Street (on the Lower East Side), New York, NY

April 22, 2010: Full archive opening at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
900 Camp St., New Orleans, LA

April 23, 2010: Partial exhibition opening on the grounds of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in the Grandstand.