Intelligence Squared Strutting with Pride: The Influence and Impact of LGBTQ Ballroom Culture
Jun 2, 2023
Ricky Tucker, a Lecturer at the New School and author of "And the Category Is...", explores the vibrant world of LGBTQ ballroom culture. He traces its roots back to the Harlem Renaissance, emphasizing its role in self-expression and community for Black and Latino individuals. The discussion highlights ballroom as a significant form of protest within the LGBTQ rights movement. Tucker also addresses how mainstream culture has commodified ballroom, spotlighting its influence on identity, visibility, and creative resistance against societal norms.
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Ricky Tucker's Ballroom Introduction
- Ricky Tucker's introduction to Ballroom culture began with Madonna's Vogue and the film Paris is Burning.
- He later took a Vogology class at the New School, learning from prominent Ballroom figures.
Ballroom Origins
- Ballroom's history stretches back over a century, originating in drag balls held by Black queer men.
- Crystal LaBeija formed the first Ballroom house in the late 1960s after experiencing discrimination in a pageant.
Dangers of Early Balls
- Early balls attracted white voyeurs from downtown to Harlem.
- Attending balls was dangerous mainly for participants due to the risks associated with their identities.
