The Founding House Mothers
Crystal LaBeija, Pepper LaBeija, Paris Dupree, Avis Pendavis, Angie Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey, and Duchess La Wong--all Black +Latina Trans women foundational to Ballroom's culture
The Grandest Grand March Ever Aids Benefit Palladium New York Backstage Legendary Dorian Corey, Chantal Regnault, 1990, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
, House of Chanel Ball Marc Ballroom Legendary Mother Avis Pendavis and daughter Evie, Chantal Regnault, 1990, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
, Pepper Labeija at Pride, Luna Luis Ortiz, 1995/1996, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
, Love Ball Aids Benefit Roseland New York May Legendary Mother Angie Xtravaganza, Chantal Regnault, 1989, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
, Pioneer Icon Duchess La Wong Old School Ballroom, Duchess La Wong, 1992, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
, Icon Legendary Mother Paris Dupree, Chantal Regnault, 1990, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
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Ballroom's founding mothers were Black and Latina trans women who established the foundations of Ballroom culture and the house structure. They were surrogate mothers to young people shunned by their families and communities; they were home and love to so many living and dying of HIV/AIDS at a time when social service agencies were not caring for Black and Brown queer and trans communities impacted by the epidemic.
Founding Mother Paris Dupree on the History of Ballroom
One of the founding mothers breaks down beginning of Ballroom houses
Duchess Interview
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Stories from Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
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