The Royal House of LaBeija has always been about setting the standard. It’s about excellence, legacy, and the kind of leadership that creates movements, not just moments. And right now, LaBeija is stepping into a new era with two major appointments that signal a bold future for the house on the international stage.
We are proud to announce Duke LaBeija as the new European Overseer and Lucy LaBeija as the new Polish Princexof the Royal House of LaBeija. Their leadership and dedication have already made an impact, and the recent success of The Sun is Shining Ball in Poland stands as proof that LaBeija’s influence continues to grow globally. This ball wasn’t just a celebration of ballroom culture — it marked the official production of Duke and Lucy’s new leadership positions, introducing a new phase of LaBeija’s international evolution.
Duke LaBeija’s appointment as European Overseer isn’t just about a title — it’s the result of years of strategic leadership and an unwavering commitment to building LaBeija’s legacy in Europe. Duke’s rise through the house has been marked by resilience and vision, starting with his tenure as the Russian Father. Establishing and maintaining a ballroom presence in Russia required navigating one of the most difficult political and social landscapes for LGBTQ+ communities. But Duke showed up and created space where there was none.
From there, Duke expanded his influence as the Eastern European Father, building bridges between ballroom scenes across countries and cultivating a new wave of talent. His leadership was defined by his ability to unite — to find strength in cultural differences and to shape a distinctly Eastern European identity within the house. Duke built a network. He created opportunities. He made it possible for others to rise.
Now, as the European Overseer, Duke is positioned to lead LaBeija into a new chapter. His role will be about unification — strengthening ties between international chapters, setting the tone for leadership across the continent, and ensuring that LaBeija’s legacy remains one of excellence and innovation. This restructuring marks a pivotal shift for LaBeija’s global identity, and Duke’s strategic vision is exactly what’s needed to take the house into the future.
Lucy LaBeija’s appointment as the Polish Princex is equally significant. Lucy represents the next generation of LaBeija leadership — sharp, creative, and deeply connected to the roots of ballroom culture. Lucy’s work in Poland has already begun to shape the narrative for LaBeija in Central Europe. There’s a precision to Lucy’s leadership. A clarity of purpose. The ability to hold tradition and innovation in the same breath.
That clarity was on full display at The Sun is Shining Ball in Poland, where Lucy’s leadership and vision turned the event into a landmark moment for LaBeija in Europe. This wasn’t just another ball — it was a declaration of LaBeija’s presence and power in Europe. The ball marked the official production of Duke and Lucy’s new leadership roles, creating a platform for the house’s next phase of growth.
The presence of Overall Father Lyric LaBeija, who attended and judged the event, gave the ball even more weight and significance. Lyric’s involvement was a clear acknowledgment that The Sun is Shining Ball was not just an independent production — it was a LaBeija milestone. Lucy’s leadership in organizing and executing the ball demonstrated their ability to take the house’s legacy and translate it into a modern, European context.
Lucy’s rise to Princex reflects more than just talent — it’s about the ability to hold space for others, to create opportunities, and to push the culture forward without losing sight of the foundation. Lucy isn’t just holding the crown; they’re redefining what it means to lead.
The Sun is Shining Ball was more than a celebration — it was a statement of LaBeija’s global presence and future. The ball brought together talent from across Europe, creating a platform for creativity, competition, and community.
Duke and Lucy’s leadership was visible in every detail of the ball. The production was sharp, the categories were strong, and the energy in the room reflected the level of excellence that LaBeija demands. The ball served as a symbolic moment — a public passing of the torch as Duke and Lucy stepped into their new roles. It was a sign that LaBeija’s European chapter is not only thriving but evolving into something even greater.
Lyric’s presence on the judges’ panel reinforced the ball’s significance within the house’s broader legacy. His involvement was a recognition of Duke and Lucy’s leadership and a testament to the importance of their new roles within the house’s global structure. The ball wasn’t just an event — it was the production that launched a new era for LaBeija in Europe.
The elevation of Duke and Lucy reflects a larger strategic shift within LaBeija’s global structure. NYC Father Marcus LaBeija, California Mother Reanté LaBeija, and Overall Prince Prince LaBeija — along with Overall Father Lyric LaBeija — played instrumental roles in this restructuring. Their leadership in creating a comprehensive international handbook and reinforcing high-quality standards and policies based on the guidelines that govern the American chapters has laid the foundation for a stronger global presence.
This wasn’t just about expanding LaBeija’s reach — it was about creating consistency and excellence across all international chapters. The new handbook ensures that every chapter operates with the same level of discipline, creativity, and integrity that defines LaBeija in the United States. The guidelines reinforce competitive standards, strengthen leadership accountability, and create a more unified house culture worldwide.
Duke’s promotion to European Overseer establishes a centralized leadership structure for Europe, ensuring that LaBeija’s influence is strategic and unified across the continent. Lucy’s appointment as Polish Princex reflects the rise of Poland’s ballroom scene as a force to be reckoned with. Together, they represent a new phase of international strength for LaBeija.
This restructuring isn’t just about strengthening the house’s presence in Europe — it’s about setting the tone for LaBeija’s global future. Duke and Lucy’s new leadership positions create the structure and strategy needed to ensure that LaBeija remains not just relevant but dominant in the evolving ballroom landscape.
To Duke and Lucy — congratulations. This is the beginning of a new chapter for LaBeija, and you are both exactly the leaders we need to guide the house into the future. The work you’ve already done speaks for itself, but the road ahead is even more promising.
The Sun is Shining Ball made one thing clear: LaBeija’s European chapter is stronger than ever. Duke and Lucy have already proven that they can lead with excellence, creativity, and vision. This is the leadership that shapes movements. The future of LaBeija in Europe isn’t just bright — it’s inevitable
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