This is an old revision of this page, as edited by CultureCouture(talk | contribs) at 17:21, 6 August 2020(Editing link as per source cited. The ballroom culture linked to was formed by LGBT Black Americans to counteract the "racially oppressive pageant system" of the 1960s as per source. Clarifying the edit). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 17:21, 6 August 2020 by CultureCouture(talk | contribs)(Editing link as per source cited. The ballroom culture linked to was formed by LGBT Black Americans to counteract the "racially oppressive pageant system" of the 1960s as per source. Clarifying the edit)
The RoyalHouse of LaBeija is a prominent drag family founded by Crystal LaBeija and Lottie LaBeija in 1972.[1] Crystal and Lottie established the House of LaBeija in response to the racially oppressive drag pageant system of 1960s America.[2] Their first event was called "Crystal & Lottie LaBeija presents the first annual House of Labeija Ball at Up the Downstairs Case on West 115th Street & 5th Avenue in Harlem, NY."[1] This is thought to be the birth of house culture within the ballroom scene—as it is known today.[3] Houses serve as alternative families, primarily for gay, gender nonconforming and transgender youth and others who feel ostracized from conventional support systems.[4]
House mothers and fathers
Like other drag families, the House of LaBeija is structured like a family, with a house “mother” and “father” who oversee and direct the group.