Better late than never?“Families don’t realise the damage that they do. The House of Xtravaganza was composed of people who were scarred because of their family’s neglect. Venus was one of those. I have found peace in my life, I have made peace with a lot of things. Thirty years ago I wouldn’t be so sure that this would go as civil as it’s going. And I’ll be honest, because I held a lot of resentment just from talking to Venus, and the pain that she felt.” — José XtravaganzaThe story of Venus is so tragic. The documentary follows her brothers, pushing for reopening the cold case of Venus Xtravaganza‘s murder.
I wish the focus was more on who she was, as well as explored the ballroom culture more, and these were certainly my favourite parts of this documentary. I loved hearing the stories of people who were inspired by Venus to be themselves.
Compared to them, the scenes with brothers often felt artificial. That being said, I still enjoyed seeing their feelings on the matter explored.
“The first thing I would say is ‘I’m sorry’.”Being queer myself, and having that part of me repeatedly rejected by my own blood, seeing someone’s family openly regret not being supportive is somewhat healing. Although years after her death, at least they’re finally making an effort to connect with who their sister truly was.
”I did a lot of shit to her, not to toughen her up, but you know… and I did a lot of shit to fuck her up too. Mikey was a baby, I told her: ‘You can watch him, and I’ll pay you,’ but I said to her ‘if you take the kid out, do not dress like a woman.’, I did say that to her, so… and I kind of feel fucked up about that now because that’s who she was.”Throughout the whole documentary, the brothers express their love towards Venus multiple times. it’s such a shame that she didn’t get to feel that love from them when she was still alive.
