Culture
Black trans women have been at the forefront of ballroom culture, shaping inclusive spaces and fostering social interactions that are integral to the scene’s essence. They have emerged as powerful advocates, leveraging their visibility to support the LGBTQ+ community and challenge conventional societal expectations.
April 9, 2025
Ballroom: A Transformative Haven For Black Trans Women
Crystal LaBeija (born 1930s, died 1990s) was an American drag queen and trans woman who co-founded the House of LaBeija in 1968. The House is often credited as starting the house system in ball culture. She became a mother figure for homeless LGBTQ youth.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the world of beauty pageants was largely exclusive, often pressuring women of color to alter their appearance with skin-lightening makeup in pursuit of victory. Crystal, in her formative years, carved out her reputation on the vibrant Manhattan drag scene of the 1960s. A fervent lover of fur, she epitomized elegance and glamour. Her efforts culminated in her crowning as "Miss Manhattan," a title that paved the way for her participation in prestigious pageants. However, it was on a chilly February 13, 1967, that Crystal made a significant mark in history. That night, at New York City's Town Hall, the Miss All-America Camp Beauty Contest took place. After being announced as the third runner-up, Crystal erupted in frustration at the judges and stormed off the stage upon realizing that the prevailing beauty standards were racially biased. The crown went to a much younger and less glamorous white contestant, a moment immortalized in the influential 1968 documentary, The Queen.
Frustrated with the lack of recognition, Crystal's close friend Lottie urged her to establish her own pageant. Crystal emerged as a trailblazer for civil rights, equality, and the integration of beauty contests. In 1972, they launched the inaugural "House of LaBeija Ball" at Up the Downstairs Case in Harlem, NY—an event that celebrated and embraced their community, welcoming those who looked and lived like them—people of color. The House of LaBeija became the first ballroom house, known for organizing benefits to raise awareness during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. In ballroom culture, a “house” serves as a refuge for queer people of color, functioning as a family for those without one. Structured like a traditional family, it features a Mother—who leads and finances the house—and Children, the younger members. This structure remains a staple today. While details surrounding Crystal’s death in the mid-90s from organ failure due to her intensive hormone regimen are scarce, her influence endures. In the documentary "Paris Is Burning," her daughter Pepper honors her legacy, stating, "I am Pepper LaBeija, legendary mother of the House of LaBeija. Not the founder! That was Crystal; I just oversee it now."
So, what exactly is this underground movement known as “Ballroom”? Enter documentarian Jenny Livingston, who gained behind-the-scenes access to the scene during the mid-to-late 1980s. In 1990, her groundbreaking documentary, “Paris Is Burning,” premiered. Funded by $50K in grants, the film achieved remarkable success, grossing $3.7 million at the box office. Featuring a memorable introduction with Junior and revealing interviews with Pepper, the film introduced the world to The House of LaBeija. A celebrated titleholder, Pepper was renowned for her stunning and extravagant outfits—think puffed shoulder blouses, beaded gowns, and lavish fur and feather accessories. One of her iconic looks even inspired Billy Porter’s unforgettable entrance at the 2019 Met Gala—a well-deserved tribute. The illustrious Pepper LaBeija would continue to serve as house mother for over three decades!
Several years before her tragic passing at the age of 53, the glamorous figure known as Pepper LaBeija was no longer present. She had transitioned back into her birth identity as William Jackson. Outside the vibrant ballroom scene, William embraced a new chapter in his life, finding love with a woman and becoming a father to two children. He chose to keep his family life private, deliberately distancing them from his previous existence. Throughout the 1990s, The House of LaBeija hosted a series of successful balls. However, after Pepper's death in 2003, the house faced internal strife, leading to a period of stagnation that lasted until 2012.
Today, the House of LaBeija is as vibrant and celebratory as it was in 1972! With numerous chapters across the nation and several internationally, the vision set forth by Crystal, Lottie, and Pepper shines brighter than ever. The house has gained recognition on platforms such as RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, received mentions in songs by Frank Ocean, and boasts honorary members like Laverne Cox. It has also been featured on networks such as BET, Vice, and Fusion TV, marking a resurgence for LaBeija. A significant highlight came in January 2020 when the house was showcased on The Tamron Hall Show, marking its first television appearance in twenty-eight years, largely thanks to a new generation of members. Coincidentally, POSE star Billy Porter, whose character “Pray Tell” bears a striking resemblance to Junior LaBeija, made a guest appearance on the program. To echo the words of pioneer Junior LaBeija, “There would be no POSE if there was no Junior LaBeija!”
Long before the Stonewall riots of 1969, The House of LaBeija emerged as a cornerstone of the queer community, serving as a historical touchstone for both social and mainstream media. Its influence continues to resonate in the realms of ballroom culture and pop culture at large. Today's members have graced the stage alongside artists like Big Freedia, Trina, and the legendary Janet Jackson. As social media influencers, they've appeared in high-profile brand commercials, featured on popular podcasts, starred in reality shows, and participated in interviews on platforms like IGTV and YouTube. The rich legacy and enduring resilience of The House of LaBeija serve as the foundation that binds its members together.
This journey began in 1967, over 50 years ago, when Crystal and Lottie sought meaningful change and took decisive action. The House of LaBeija stands out as the only ballroom house to retain its original name, proudly embodying its status as The Original, The First, and The Iconic - LaBeija. As Crystal LaBeija famously proclaimed, “I have a right to show my color, darling. I am beautiful, and I KNOW I’m beautiful!”
Black trans women have made an indelible mark on ballroom culture and beauty standards, influencing not just the art form itself but also the wider LGBTQ+ and Black communities through their resilience, creativity, and advocacy.
Emerging in the 1920s in Harlem, ballroom culture created a sanctuary for Black and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly Black trans women, to freely express themselves, forge connections, and confront societal norms amidst pervasive discrimination.
Known for its signature dance style, voguing originated from pageants organized by incarcerated trans and queer individuals, serving as both entertainment and a vision of liberation. The scene has also birthed various other dance forms, showcasing the rich creativity and diversity among its participants.
In ballroom culture, fashion and beauty are celebrated as powerful forms of self-expression and resistance against societal expectations. Black trans women have harnessed their appearance, clothing, and makeup to assert their identities and challenge exclusionary beauty norms.
Ballroom culture has been instrumental in the fight for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality, providing a platform for queer voices and identities to be recognized and celebrated. The activism of Black trans women within this realm has highlighted the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
The influence of ballroom culture extends into popular culture, shaping music, fashion, dance, art, and media. It's legacy is evident in contemporary dance, language, and artistic expression, and the community continues to thrive today.
Ballroom culture remains a vital space for Black and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals, offering community, support, and a platform for self-expression and activism that continues to resonate today.
Paris Is Burning: Documentary/LGBTQ
This documentary delves into the vibrant world of trans women and drag queens in New York City, exploring the unique "house" culture that fosters a strong sense of community and support for these bold and often marginalized artists. Each house showcases its talent through extravagant balls, drawing inspiration from high fashion. The film also addresses important themes such as racism and poverty, featuring insightful interviews with iconic drag queens like Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
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