Paris is Burning
Jennie Livingston's landmark 1990 documentary shone a light on New York City’s African American and Latinx Harlem drag ball scene, creating a rarely-seen portrait of fashion "houses," warlike contests, and valiant house mothers. It should be noted, though, that some participants felt exploited by the film, and feminist scholar bell hooks wondered about its voyeuristic aspects. Amid times of intense homophobia, transphobia, racism, poverty, and HIV/AIDS, there were voguers, drag queens, and trans women who forged community despite near-insurmountable odds—and despite valid criticisms of Paris is Burning, it does celebrate these pioneer figures. Check it out at this fundraiser screening in support of Quest Center, a "community healthcare facility primarily serving folks who are LGBTQIA+, low-income or living with HIV."