Kelsey Keuleman

Professor Glass

AS 15

PARIS IS BURNING!

The documentary titled “Paris is Burning”, was about Drag, particularly about their drag balls.

This topic is something I have never really known much about, except what is on YouTube and

tv these days, which mostly consists of how to complete drag makeup. So, the in depth look into

the culture was particularly informative. I really liked the fact that they gave the characters more

depth by having little candid interviews, which gave them the opportunity to show a little bit

more of who they are as people and not just when they are in drag. I found it quite interesting

that most of them would compare winning a trophy in the balls, to them is equivalent to winning

an Oscar. For someone to win an Oscar is one of the greatest accomplishments for anyone in the

entertainment industry, so for them to compare the two shows me how much these balls mean to

them and their culture.

One part I thought was entertaining, was the part about the “gangs” and how they don’t

have street fights they have DANCE BATTLES! The person, they said, that had the best moves

was considered the winner. I thought this added some comedy into the mix, I don’t know if it

was particularly meant to be comedic, but I thought it was.

Overall, this documentary was extremely raw and extremely real. It showed the human

side of these drag queens. I was shocked when at the end it spoke about “Venus”?, being

murdered. I was struck with intense sadness for this group of people. I know things are different

now and drag has been much more widely accepted, but back when this was filmed which was
not too long ago, these people were specifically under attack. The homophobia of so many men

in the united states back then was harsh. These women never knew if they would make it out

alive a lot of the time. This to me was heart breaking. They had so much pride in the people they

were, and their personalities shown so brightly that it is hard to believe that just because of what

hobbies someone has could get them killed. It was interesting that they said most people would

go boost their stuff to make their costumes for the ball. Most of them were young and most of

them did not have a lot of money, so they would have to go out and steal whatever they wanted

for their look. I find it so powerful that they were willing to risk their freedom for an outfit in a

pageant. Again, this showed me how much this really means to them.

Another part I found awesome was the houses, which were more like a family. These

people came from all different backgrounds, most of them were highly dysfunctional. The

houses took them in and gave them a family when their real family either ostracized them or they

didn’t want their true family to feel shame or be criticized based off their child or brother or

whatever being gay and liking dressing in drag. They gave them somewhere to feel like they are

whole. They looked out for each other, they helped each other. And they gave them something

that all humans really need, love and compassion. This movie was good, and it gave me a new

perspective into the background of drag and what it means to drag queens to be “Drag Queens”.