Paris Is Burning, the 1990 documentary directed by Jennie Livingston, was the first piece of mainstream media to shine a light on New York’s ballroom scene. Focusing on a community of drag and trans performers set mostly in Harlem, Paris Is Burning is a vital work highlighting a marginalized community and showing their joys, triumphs, tragedies and chosen families.
With “Pride Season” rapidly approaching, there’s no better time to revisit this electrifying document of queer cultural history.
Here are 20 facts you may not have known about Paris Is Burning.