Vogue, Dance, and Defiance: Celebrating Ballroom Culture and Its LGBTQIA+ Roots

Photo Credits: Paris Is Burning by Alamy
Let’s talk voguing—a dance style that isn’t just about fierce moves but also about breaking boundaries.
If you haven’t caught the latest episode of Superhumans with Jay Jay Revlon and Max Day, you’re missing out on a juicy dive into the ballroom scene. Jay Jay Revlon is a prominent figure in the ballroom scene, known as the Overseer of the House of Revlon, Legend, and Father of the Kiki House of Laveaux. He is celebrated for his contributions to voguing, cultural activism, and creating safe spaces for marginalized communities. The episode gets into the rich, defiant history of voguing, which originated in New York’s LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a bold, dramatic form of self-expression that still has relevance today.
What’s Voguing?
Vogue is sharp. It’s fluid. It’s all about posing, flowing, and fiercely competing to the beats of house and electronic music. But it’s not just about looking cool—though, trust me, you’ll feel amazing while doing it. It’s about visibility and empowerment for marginalized communities. If you’ve ever seen Paris Is Burning or Pose, you know this dance style gave those who were often overlooked a chance to shine.
From the Grandfather of Vogue Willie Ninja to the fabulous Paris Dupree and the iconic House of Xtravaganza, these pioneers have shaped the dance world and its culture. Ballroom, particularly voguing, serves as a vital platform for LGBTQIA+ people to celebrate their identities unapologetically, with an ever-present flair for drama.
As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, we take a moment to honor the resilience of those who turned the ballroom into a sanctuary—a place where you can strut, pose, and live your truth without hesitation. So, if you haven’t yet, plug into this world where inclusivity and culture collide with every fierce move. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be part of a revolution and look fabulous doing it?
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