Golden Era: An Act of Resistance to Racism
Black, Brown queer, and trans women felt overlooked and even demeaned in the downtown New York drag scene of the 1960's and early 70s. In 1972, a Black trans woman, Crystal LaBeija, created the first ball for Black people. That started Ballroom, and its beginning: the Golden Era.
Pioneering Icon Crystal Labeija Founder (1968) by Duchess La WongBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
The Making of Crystal LeBeija
When the talented performer, drag queen and proud Black trans woman, Crystal Labeija lost to a white drag queen, Crystal denounced the pageant, stating that the judges unjustly awarded white performers, and overlook Black and Brown talent.
Watch the moment when Crystal LaBeija's reads drag culture for its racism
Pioneer Icon Mother Crystal Labeija (1977) by Junior LabeijaBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Start of Ballroom and House Culture
In her critique of drag pageants unjustly awarding white performers, Crystal Labeija sparked what is one of the most significant cultural movements of the 20th century.
Watch this American Masters PBS Video on Crystal Lebeija: "The Queen Who Reinvented Ballroom Culture"
Pioneers Lottie Labeija & Avis Pendavis of Yesteryears (1971) by Duchess La WongBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Lottie Labeija
Crystal's good friend and fellow competitor, Lottie LeBeija, formed the first House with Crystal, the House of Labeija
Pioneer Icon Pepper Labeija (1969) by Duchess La WongBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
"The 1st Annual House of LaBeija Ball"
In 1972, Crystal and Lottie hosted their own ball for the Black and Brown queer, trans communities "Crystal & Lottie LaBeija presents: “The 1st Annual House of LaBeija Ball."
Thee Black Veruschka Delightful Lady (1972) by Duchess La WongBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
For the community, by the community
Ballroom started as an act of resistance for the Black, Brown, queer and trans community. These founders celebrated the beauty of their community through Ballroom—a space where they could create, compete, feel pride, and thrive.
