Support Black Burlesque!
Happy Black History Month!
In honor of Black History Month, we’re compiling all the ways we come across for you to support Black Burlesque in Los Angeles and beyond! Scroll down to see how you can support Black burlesque artists working today to preserve Black burlesque history and create history in real-time.
Want to add a show or initiative? Reach out via our inquiries form.
Support Shawna The Black Venus
Living burlesque legend, Shawna The Black Venus, was recently diagnosed with and currently fighting against cancer. BurlyCares, an organization that helps support burlesque legends with resources and hands-on support, is fundraising to aid in Shawna The Black Venus’ treatment and recovery.
Your donations help Shawna ensure her basic needs are met (food, housing, essential bills) so she can focus on her health and recovery.
Support our Black Burlesque Legends and Shawna The Black Venus’ battle against cancer.
Everybody Wants to Be a Showgirl
Everybody Wants to Be a Showgirl is a Black History Month exhibition celebrating the artistry, cultural impact, and living legacy of Black burlesque performers. Featuring over 100 Black performers from around the world, the exhibition highlights how Black burlesque artists have shaped American performance, fashion, and commercial entertainment—often without institutional recognition.
Through costumes, archival materials, immersive installations, and live programming, the exhibition centers on living artists while honoring the lineage of Black performance traditions that continue to influence culture today.
Burlesque Diversity Boycott
The February 2026 Diversity Burlesque Boycott is a collective action organized by Cocoa Pearlesque to show support to Black Burlesque Artists with personal donations as well as withholding support from shows who don’t include Black Artists in their events throughout February.
Fellow burlesque performers have many actions they can participate in to contribute to this initiative. Sign up to become an ally in the form below.
Keep checking in on this page as we’ll be adding more ways to support Black Burlesque this month and beyond!
Want to add a show or initiative?
Reach out via our inquiries form.