Fete Lifestyle Magazine February 2023 - Diversity Issue | Page 42

Paris Is Burning - The predominately QTPOC New York Ballroom scene in the 80s worked as a community. Older members of the community served as surrogate families for the younger members who had been ostracized by their families and mainstream society. The different "houses" support their families and cheer them on throughout each Ballroom contest for a trophy, much like they support them throughout their lives. This documentary brought attention to the HIV crisis, helped to pave the way for the mainstreaming of drag culture, and touched on discussions about class, gender, race, and sexuality.