The category is: iconic films that every queer must watch. First on the floor is the 1990 documentary “Paris is Burning” directed by Jennie Livingston.
The film, which chronicles the ball culture of New York City in the late 1980s, quickly became a cult classic and gained recognition from the critics who were gagging on its exploration of race, gender, sexuality and class.
“Paris is Burning” combines footage of several balls shot over the span of seven years, interviews with the Black and Latino men, women and queens who competed in the balls alongside a look at their daily lives. In 1991, this was revolutionary and few films have followed in the footsteps of focusing on this underrepresented subculture.
Following multiple “houses” and competitors, the film phenomenally showed a multitude of experiences and how these people found a place to feel accepted no matter where they came from or where they were going. It also introduced the world to the art of voguing, and gave people a whole new vocabulary that is still being used by queers everywhere. Just try and go to any gay bar and not hear the words “reading,” “shade” or “realness.”
But it wasn’t the balls that gave this documentary life. It was the people. Livingston’s approach to the underground culture was not one of voyeurism but intrigue and compassion. She wasn’t out to exploit these men and women. She wanted to tell their stories and explore living as a minority inside another minority group.
“If you’re black and male and gay, you have to be stronger than you can imagine,” one ball competitor said in an interview.
It showed the balls it takes to dress up and serve “the gay basher who beat you up on the way here tonight.” It also showed the struggle these attendees faced. Most of the participants came from poverty and did whatever necessary to survive and support their fashion taste. Some were hustlers. Some mopped department stores to stay stylish. Some dangerously turned tricks to survive. One trans woman, Venus Extravaganza, talked openly about the men she escorted and how most times she felt safe. In 1988, Venus was found strangled under a hotel bed.
It also showed these men and women latching onto each other and starting houses. This stemmed from being rejected by their own families, and finding a support system that accepted them for who they were. They formed a culture where being whoever the hell you want to be was encouraged and nurtured. These stories are important to tell, especially today when many young queers have it much easier than their predecessors. It shows these young privileged gay men that this happened, and it continues to happen to our queer family.
Last year, Jennie Livingston unveiled a restored digital print 24 years after it premiered. The film also received the Legacy Award from Cinema Eye Honors, which recognizes memorable and influential films.
The judges table give “Paris is Burning” a 10, 10, 10 and 10.
