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
Show lessRead more
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
Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Stories from Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Explore more
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.