At 34, Kylen Bruner, known in the ballroom community as Motha KBvogueclips, is not just capturing the moment — she is defining it. A self-taught photographer and digital archivist of the ballroom scene, Bruner’s journey from homelessness to house motherhood is a powerful testament to resilience, artistry, and unwavering advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.
Based in Los Angeles, Bruner began documenting ballroom culture in 2015, during a period when she was experiencing homelessness. She found refuge and purpose in the ballroom world by posting vogue clips and building a community through creativity. “I started in ballroom because of Davon Dyuu and Edwin Xtravaganza,” she said. “They changed my life completely.”
Now affiliated with Ryb Productions, Inc., Bruner continues to curate and share clips that capture the beauty and energy of ballroom culture. Her growing platform, Motha KBvogueclips, has become a vital source of inspiration and connection — particularly for young queer people seeking affirmation and belonging.
Even as she celebrates the vibrancy of ballroom, Bruner is candid about the broader challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. “We need more testing clinics, more mental health services, and more homeless outreach for young LGBTQ+ people,” she said. She also calls for better treatment of trans people in society, who she says are often dehumanized. “They get treated like animals and not like the human beings they are.”
Bruner’s activism is rooted in her lived experience. She has faced judgment — even from some family and friends — for her work in ballroom. Still, she continues to show up for the community. “Pride in 2025 means a lot to me,” she said. “I am so glad I can be a voice for the community.”
She draws strength from outspoken trailblazers like TS Madison and Jacen Bowman, who, she says, “really speak up for the community — especially for trans people — and I love it.”
To the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth, Bruner’s message is clear: “Do not be afraid to come out. Let your light shine. Be all you can be. Stand up for what is right, and be a voice for the community.”
With a camera in her hand and a mission in her heart, Kylen Bruner is not just documenting culture — she is shaping it.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
