Tanay Serrette: A Life in Motion, From Ballroom Icon to World Traveler

New Yorker Tanay Serrette is a multifaceted force whose life journey intertwines the worlds of performance, travel, and advocacy. From a young age, Tanay showed an immense passion for the arts attending the prestigious Talent Unlimited program at Julia Richman High School, where she honed her skills in musical theater and dance. It was here Tanay’s foundation in the performing arts set the stage for a future that would merge her love for dance with her involvement in the underground ballroom scene.

In 1988, Tanay joined the legendary House of Penda’vis, where she began her journey in drag ballroom competitions. Quickly gaining a reputation for her stunning beauty and commanding presence, she won virtually every Fem Queen category she competed in, solidifying her place as one of the most celebrated figures in the 1990s ballroom scene. Most notably, Tanay became the face of "Fem Queen Face," a category she dominated, leaving a lasting imprint on the ballroom community and the era. 

As the '90s came to a close, Tanay began exploring the world beyond ballroom. Over the years, she traveled to 25 countries across five continents, becoming an expert in world travel and immersing herself in diverse cultures. This global exploration broadened her perspective and influenced her artistic and personal evolution.

In 2020, Tanay ventured into the world of mixology, a new passion that recently earned her a place as the featured mixologist at T Lounge”, the first-ever cocktail bar, owned and operated by a trans woman. This role further cemented her status as a trailblazer and advocate for the community. After a two-decade hiatus from ballroom, Tanay made a triumphant return in 2024, joining the House of Garçon, once again proving her mastery and continuing to elevate ballroom culture. Her return was nothing short of iconic, with Tanay’s name once again resonating throughout the ballroom world.

In May 2024, Tanay was honored with the prestigious Crystal Labeja Icon Award at the BTFA Collective's Spring Gala. During her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to the trailblazers who came before her, notably Daniell Revlon and Avis Penda'vis, her original house mother and one of the founding mothers of ballroom.  Today, Tanay continues to live a life full of artistry, travel, and advocacy, breaking barriers and inspiring those around her. Her journey, from an iconic ballroom star to a world traveler and community leader, reflects the resilience, beauty, and strength of a woman who has always danced to the beat of her own drum.