Watching Ryan Murphy's 'Pose' is not enough when you want to know about the true history of America's drag ball culture
With just two episodes of Ryan Murphy's 'Pose,' we already seem to have a brief idea about the late 70s and 80s drag ball culture in New York City. The glitter and glamor of ruffles, feathers, furs and high heels elaborately define the youth LGBTQ community fiercely competing in drag competitions known as balls.
Those familiar with a cult-favorite documentary, 'Paris is Burning' will get an even more clear insight into this subculture that existed far underneath the city's skyscrapers. As the sun went down, individuals from marginalized communities, including African American, Latino, gay, and transgender, fiercely competed in drag balls owning the runway in their glamorous gowns. This subculture has been captured in Jennie Livingston's 1990 documentary.
Now fast forward to the time where 'Rupaul's Drag Race' is renewed to the 11th season, it is important to know the history of drag race culture.
