Burning Down the House: Why the Debate Over Paris is Burning Rages On

Overview

• Paris is Burning is a documentary by Jennie Livingston released in 1991.
• Focuses on New York's 1980s ballroom subculture, featuring African American and Hispanic gay men, drag queens, and transgender women.
• Captures competitions involving fashion runways and vogue dancing.
• Houses like Pendavis, Extravaganza, and LaBeija serve as surrogate families.
• Film includes candid interviews covering topics of class, race, gender orientation, and beauty standards.
• Notable quotes and terminologies such as "shade" have influenced mainstream culture.

Cultural Impact

• Influenced Madonna's "Vogue" and choreographer Willi Ninja.
• Won the grand jury prize at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival.
• Controversy arose regarding Livingston's role as a voyeur and cultural appropriation concerns.

Legal and Financial Controversies

• Performers sought compensation from the film's profits, feeling excluded from its wealth.
• A lawsuit for $40 million was sought by Paris DuPree.
• $55,000 was distributed among 13 participants despite standard release forms.

Recent Controversies

• BRIC scheduled a screening without including trans and queer people of color (TQPOC).
• A petition called for the event's cancellation, citing exploitation and cultural appropriation.

Social Context

• High rates of violence against trans women of color are highlighted.
• Social media allows marginalized groups to voice their concerns, leading to activism like #blacklivesmatter.

Responses from Livingston and BRIC

• Livingston issued statements acknowledging the need to support TQPOC communities.
• BRIC updated the screening lineup to include ballroom community members.

Reflections on the Documentary

• Livingston expresses frustration over criticisms, emphasizing challenges faced in filmmaking.
• Ballroom scene remains vibrant, with collaborations in contemporary art and media.

Legacy and Future

• Paris is Burning seen as a foundational text for ballroom culture.
• Concerns about the globalization of the ballroom scene losing its roots.
• Grass-roots projects like Elegance Bratton's Pier Kids: The Life continue to explore related themes.

Conclusion

• Paris is Burning remains a significant cultural artifact with enduring controversy and discussion.
• It continues to influence music, film, and activism, highlighting ongoing issues faced by LGBTQ communities.