They really don’t make ’em like this anymore.
Queer film historian Jenni Olson’s new Homo Promo YouTube playlist just launched this week with a choice trio of tidbits including the original theatrical trailer for Paris is Burning (above) — which amazingly has never before been uploaded to the interwebs. It’s worth a watch and serves as a vivid reminder to watch the whole film if you’ve never seen it, or to watch it again if you have. Olson also has the vintage long-format trailer for Glen or Glenda: I Changed My Sex — which has to be one of the weirdest queer movies ever — in which a deadpan narrator explains the difference between a homosexual and a transvestite in a hilarious scene. All you trash cinephiles will recall that Glen or Glenda comes from the legendary Ed Wood, who also made what is generally considered to be the worst movie ever made, Plan 9 From Outer Space. Rounding out the line-up is a great little clip from the 1967 exploitation documentary, Queens at Heart — featuring the tough-talking Simone who talks about her double-life as a trans-woman in pre-Stonewall New York City. You can also watch the first few minutes of Queens at Heart below and click to stream the complete 22-minute short for $2.99.
HereinNYC
While i would look pretty terrible in any sort of dress or drag, i bow to the brave men and women of paris is burning. They were living out loud well before drag race made it mainstream.
I remember that movie coming out and how groundbreaking it was.
we are who we are, because of brave people like that.
Cam
Paris is Burning is a great watch but bitter sweet.
Shadeaux
I really like Paris is burning. I wish the younger generation would look at it and understand some of the terminology they use. It’s odd hearing that a “ki ki” is a party or get together.
gskorich
i saw paris is burning when it came out. i recently watched it again and was surprised how current it still is. the terminology, the dressing the whole ball scene. for most of the people the drag balls were an escape from their real lives. nothing wrong with feeling fabulous once in awhile