Philly Gets Kinky With 16th Annual Diabolique Ball

It’s one part charity fundraiser, one part horror show, and one huge part kink-and-fetish extravaganza: It’s this year’s Diabolique Ball.

Organizer Kali Morgan, along with a team of more than 100 volunteers, will throw the most leathered-up shindig this side of American Horror Story this Saturday night at Trocadero Theatre. The ball, which has a cinematic horror theme this year, began as a low-key creative project for Morgan in 1997 when she decided to marry fundraising and fetish, evolving over the years to something much more grandiose. The point, she says, is to not only shine light (and cash) on Philly’s diverse charities, but educate people about the city’s remarkably large scene of folks who play dress up with whips and corsets in the boudoir. (And at The Bike Stop, of course.)

The ball reached its peak in 2005 when it brought in 1,000 attendees, but has still managed to rake in about 300 to 500 guests each year since, Morgan says. It’s a draw for people who otherwise have few outlets to meet other fetish fantasizers. Performers this year include Liberty City Kings Drag and Burlesque, dancer Kitty Laveaux and a slew of fetish-fashion models.

“People who are intent on enjoying fashion as part of their sexual orientation will love this. Leather, for example — it’s part of the thrill,” says Morgan, who doubles by day as the “retail proprietrix” of Passional Boutique and Sexploratorium. “We’ve also got dungeon-play parties, where we have categorized ‘play stations’ set up, with monitors and medics positioned to make sure no one gets hurt or harassed. We’ve really put a lot of time and effort into solving problems we’ve seen at other parties.”

Funds raised by the event will go toward covering expenses for next year’s party, as well as to charities of the Diabolique Foundation’s choosing. Last year, it raised more than $10,000 from ticket proceeds. Funds raised this year will benefit ActionAIDS.

Attendees of Saturday’s event, Morgan emphasizes, should expect to show up in full horror attire, or not at all. Translation: Leave the sweatpants at home, Philly.

Sat., Nov. 23, 9 p.m., $41-$51, Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.