'Paris is Burning'

Discuss drag and / or drag balls from three of the different perspectives represented in Paris is Burning. What is the most important part of drag for each? What connects all of them (if anything)?

To some people, Drag Balls were a way to have the life they’ve always wanted: in a Drag Ball, they could be rich, famous, glamorous, and beautiful. Drag Balls would allow people to live their dreams for a precious amount of time—they offered a temporary escape from homelessness, hunger, and humiliation.

For others, Drag Balls and Houses were also a kind of escape. For those whose family and friends had rejected them, Drag Houses were a welcoming community where they could have a new, accepting family, and be openly gay in a completely comfortable environment. They would be able to live with people like themselves, and be happy.

Some people had higher aims—many had dreams of going on to be models, getting sex changes, and actually living the life they dreamed of. For them, Drag Balls were a kind of practice or training, and Drag Houses a safe and welcoming place to be while they worked to achieve their dreams.

For all of these people, Drag Houses were an escape from reality. They offered a place where gays were the norm, where anyone would be accepted, welcomed, and loved. It is no surprise that Drag Houses were as popular as they were—they were a much-preferable alternative to those who in the ‘real world’ would be victims of prejudice, judgment, and hate crimes. To those who needed them, Drag Houses meant hope.