Paris is Burning highlights a beautiful part of queer history, drag ballroom culture.
In the 1970s, Black trans drag queen Crystal LaBeija started hosting balls for Black people in response to racism she faced in drag balls.
“Black people have a hard time getting anywhere and those that do are usually straight. In a ballroom you can be anything you want. You’re not really an executive but you’re looking like an executive.”
-Dorian Corey
Think of how Paris Is Burning still relevant today?
What parallels can we draw between the issues and experiences shown in the film and what’s happening in the world now?
What ways does your community gather and defy societal norms?
How does the filmmaker, Jennie Livingston, impact the narrative of the film?
What does the concept of “passing” (as seen in the balls) reveal about societal standards and how individuals navigate those expectations?
A great fictional TV series that expands on drag ballroom culture.
Next time at Lavender Lens!
