Paris Is Burning

I don’t think my eyes were dry for a SECOND while I watched Paris is Burning. “Everybody wants to leave something behind them. Some impression, some mark upon the world. And then you think, you’ve left a mark on the world if you just get through it…You don’t have to bend the whole world. I think it’s better to just enjoy it.” -Dorian Corey Drag and queer culture is so beautiful to me. It’s a beautiful art form, but it’s also more than that, it’s people’s lives. Balls were peoples HOMES. They were the only place these people could be themselves and welcomed so openly. It’s heartbreaking to see the roots of this culture in queer, trans, and most importantly, black communities being erased and discredited. Just hearing how artistic and passionate these people were and how hopeful they were to be seen breaks my heart. They weren’t unrealistic, they just had love and ambition. That segment of Venus Xtravaganza and Octavia St. Laurent talking about what they wanted for their future and just how hopeful they were made me full on SOB (Especially with them talking about Venus’ death right after). Queer culture would not be where it is today without these women. I don’t care if you’re apart of the queer community or not, this is definitely a MUST watch. Jennie Livingston kinda sucks tho so idk