The second-ever Vashti Ball is here and it is not to be missed. This celebration of the Jewish holiday Purim commemorates the Persian-Jewish community's deliverance as recounted in the Book of Esther. The story follows Queen Esther, who replaced Queen Vashti as King Xerxes' wife, Vashti is usually portrayed as a villain but for many LGBTQ+ Jews, she is consider a queer icon.
Traditionally, Purim is celebrated with costumes, gift-giving, public readings of the Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther), and food and drink festivities. The Vashti Ball, starting at 6:30pm on March 6 at HK Hall, will feature an Orthodox speed reading of the Scroll of Esther, followed by an drag performance of the Megillah. Attendees can indulge in a kosher Persian buffet and open bar (for those over 21), participate in a grand costume contest with the chance to win tickets to the Broadway show "Six: The Musical," and dance the night away with a disco party that will last until Tuesday morning.