Parents' Guide to Paris Is Burning

This iconic documentary is a warm, vibrant celebration of a subculture that has more recently hit the mainstream with the likes of Pose and RuPaul's Drag Race. But back in 1990, when Paris Is Burning was first released, it really lifted the curtain on a moment, a specific time and place, that captured something incredibly poignant. There are parts of the documentary that are very specific to its community: the prejudice, the familial rejection, the constant threat of violence: particularly as a black transgender woman, but also for a wider community of queer people of color. Yet there's also something universal in the need for acceptance, self-expression, and the desire to live out the American Dream—which was exploding in a picture of excess during the time. The documentary is very much told through the eyes of its subjects. Some of the more established characters explain the scene, the terminology, how it's changed from people walking as Vegas showgirls, to Marilyn Monroe, to Dynasty characters. It shows the younger generations coming up and pushing for bold new categories, it shows the camaraderie behind the scenes and the all-too-familiar dreams of the "children." They want fame, fortune, a house in the suburbs, a white wedding. There's a lot here about hope and defiance, but also a tragic crash back down to earth when lovable youngster Venus is murdered while the documentary is in production. It's jarring, but not surprising for others, particularly her house mother. Then there are balls to raise money for AIDS research. Another harsh reality behind the glitz, the unity, the vitality. But despite these more difficult subjects, it's difficult not to be excited by the scene, charmed by its characters, and appreciate the impact of its legacy.