The American documentary “Paris is Burning” directed by Jennie Livingston is a legendary film that portrays the lives of those from minority groups such as African Americans and Latinos who are gay and transgender. In New York City during the late 1900s, these individuals would come together to live their best nights participating and contributing to underground ball/drag culture. Ball culture consisted of a mix of dances particularly voguing, music, fashion, modeling and competition for trophies and making a statement within the LGTBQ community. It was inspiring for me to recognize that this film resembled a similar fictional TV show named “Pose” that shared this similar issue of being LGTBQ and violating traditional gender norms. They were exploited and treated differently in society due to this intersectionality among their race, sexuality and gender identity. As a heterosexual female, I enjoyed seeing the unity and supportiveness within the gay and transgender community as they chose to express themselves in a comfortable space where they are able to fulfill their dreams of having the fame and fortune that comes from the entertainment industry. It’s fascinating how creative and talented they are because of how important these performances are to them since they work hard to have a good time and respectfully show off. I also love how there are what are known as different “houses’ ‘ under a house mother which can either be black and Latino gays or transgenders who form these groups in respect to those who have been rejected by their real families for being LGTBQ and are often left homeless due to poverty. It was interesting that just like any other human being they gained their influence and found their idols through mainstream media and looked up to that famous person for their looks, fashion, attitude and even lifestyle. It seemed like in the back of their mind this is obviously how they pictured themselves to be like but it was hard because once the night is over it’s back to being a part of a society that wasn’t as accepting of one’s sexuality.
In connection with fighting toward race, sex and class oppression The Combahee River Collective Statement (1977) by Demita Frazier, Beverly Smith, and Barbara Smith who are all black feminists came together to create a movement to address the issue between race and sexuality like being both black and lesbian struggling to make ends meet in American society and politics. In the reading it stated “We realize that the only people who care enough about us to work consistently for our liberation are us. Our politics evolve from a healthy love for ourselves, our sisters and our community which allows us to continue our struggle and work” (Smith). This meant that based on the social issues and inequalities they face because of their race and sex as black women, they are all they got to keep each other strong and continue standing for justice within their community. The needs of black women are different from those of black men and white women because they are not valued equally, and are often judged and mistreated.
It seems like what I understand from Sadira’s snapshot is that no matter what race someone is, when people die they all turn into skeletons, all bones, nothing left to distinguish the color of their skin that can determine that person’s role in society. It’s good to know that over the years adjustments have been made to allow those from the LGTBQ community and even black women a chance to go about society without being discriminated against as harshly since there are laws and regulations that may protect them from these issues.
