Paris Is Burning

The story

Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Venus Xtravaganza.

Cast

P Pepper LaBeijaSelf O Octavia St. LaurentSelf V Venus XtravaganzaSelf D Dorian CoreySelf W Willi NinjaSelf P Paris DupreeSelf F Freddie PendavisSelf S Sol Williams PendavisSelf J Junior LaBeijaSelf A Angie XtravaganzaSelf C Carmen XtravaganzaSelf B Brooke XtravaganzaSelf

See more cast

K Kim PendavisSelf S Sandy NinjaSelf A Avis PendavisSelf A Andre ChristianSelf S Stevie St. LaurentSelf B Bianca XtravaganzaSelf D Danny XtravaganzaSelf D David XtravaganzaSelf D David Ian XtravaganzaSelf D David the Father XtravaganzaSelf E Eileen FordSelf (uncredited) J Jose GuitierezSelf (uncredited) S Shari HeadleySelf (uncredited)