The legacy of Pepper LaBeija and the Royal House of LaBeija continues to live on, despite the changing landscape of New York City’s LGBTQ+ community. The impact of drag balls and the house’s contributions to the ballroom scene are still felt today, with chapters across the US, Europe, South America, and South Africa.
Pepper LaBeija’s iconic appearance in “Paris Is Burning” captured the essence of the ballroom culture of the ’80s, showcasing the creativity, talent, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. The Elks Lodge, where many of these balls took place, may be gone, but its significance in LGBTQ+ history remains.
The Royal House of LaBeija, founded by Crystal LaBeija, was a groundbreaking institution in the ballroom world. Crystal LaBeija’s pageants and events raised awareness for the HIV/AIDS crisis during a time when the epidemic was being ignored by the government. The house continues to honor her legacy, with a recent bust commemorating her at the Museum of the City of New York.
Jeffrey “Kiddie Liddah” LaBeija, the current overseer of the house, emphasizes the importance of drag balls as a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves freely and creatively. The trademarking of the LaBeija name in 2023 was a significant step in preserving the house’s history and empowering its members to tell their own story.
As New York’s ball culture has evolved over the years, the Royal House of LaBeija remains a symbol of resilience, creativity, and community for LGBTQ+ individuals around the world. The impact of Pepper LaBeija and the house’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift queer voices in the ballroom scene and beyond. The shift of culture towards the south, specifically Atlanta, had a significant impact on individuals like Kiddie. While enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University, Kiddie’s perspective took a transformative turn after watching the film Paris Is Burning in a local theater one weekend. The portrayal of gay Black individuals in the film celebrating their uniqueness and resilience resonated deeply with Kiddie, who finally felt a sense of belonging and acceptance.
One of the most poignant moments in the film for Kiddie was a monologue by ball emcee Junior LaBeija, known as “White America.” In this speech, Junior reflects on the struggles faced by the Black community and their ability to thrive despite societal challenges, particularly in the context of white beauty standards prevalent in the ball circuit.
While Paris Is Burning received critical acclaim, it also faced scrutiny, with author bell hooks questioning its potential exploitation of the community. The film’s subjects, including Pepper LaBeija, sought financial compensation as the movie gained popularity, leading to a complex debate around the film’s portrayal of the ballroom scene.
Luna Luis Ortiz, a ballroom photographer and activist featured in Paris Is Burning, shared his perspective on the film’s impact. Ortiz acknowledged the exposure the film brought to the underground world of ballroom culture, leading to newfound recognition of the artistry within the community. However, some individuals felt that the director capitalized on their stories without adequate compensation.
Ortiz’s personal journey of contracting HIV at a young age and turning to photography as a means of self-expression and community documentation added a profound layer to his experience. As he captured moments from the ballroom scene, Ortiz felt a sense of empowerment and connection within his community, likening it to the transition from black and white to color in the Wizard of Oz.
Reflecting on the evolution of ballroom culture since the release of Paris Is Burning, Ortiz noted its global expansion and the impact of providing hope and a sense of family to individuals worldwide. Despite occasional nostalgia for the uniqueness of the culture within his community, Ortiz recognized the positive influence of its broader reach.
In 2025, Kiddie described ball culture as an “artist incubator,” where individuals could transform their creativity into tangible expressions of art. Despite lacking formal education, Kiddie took pride in his ability to create something meaningful and lasting, reflecting on the emotional journey of growth and achievement within the ballroom community. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time for self-care and relaxation. With the constant demands of work, family, and social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. However, taking time for yourself is essential for maintaining your mental and physical well-being.
One popular method of self-care that has been gaining traction in recent years is mindfulness meditation. This ancient practice involves focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment or distraction. By practicing mindfulness meditation regularly, you can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving your focus, concentration, and overall sense of well-being.
To start practicing mindfulness meditation, find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. As you continue to breathe deeply, bring your awareness to the sensations in your body, such as the feeling of your feet on the ground or the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe.
As thoughts and distractions arise, gently acknowledge them without judgment and return your focus to your breath or body sensations. Remember that it’s normal for your mind to wander during meditation, and the key is to gently guide your attention back to the present moment.
Many people find it helpful to start with short meditation sessions, such as five to ten minutes, and gradually increase the length as they become more comfortable with the practice. You can also experiment with guided meditation apps or videos, which can provide structure and support for your practice.
In addition to formal meditation sessions, you can also incorporate mindfulness into your daily life by bringing awareness to everyday activities, such as eating, walking, or driving. By paying close attention to the present moment, you can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the small moments that make up your day.
Overall, mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for self-care that can help you navigate the stresses and challenges of modern life with greater ease and resilience. By making time for yourself and prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being, you can cultivate a greater sense of peace and balance in your life. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations being made every day. One such advancement is the development of artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. AI is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving.
One of the key areas where AI is making a significant impact is in the field of healthcare. AI has the potential to improve patient outcomes, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance the overall quality of care. One of the ways AI is being used in healthcare is through the development of diagnostic tools that can analyze medical images and identify abnormalities. For example, AI algorithms can be trained to detect signs of cancer in X-rays or MRIs, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
AI is also being used to improve patient care by providing personalized treatment recommendations based on individual patient data. By analyzing a patient’s medical history, genetic information, and lifestyle factors, AI algorithms can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions about the best course of treatment for each patient. This personalized approach can lead to better outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
In addition to improving patient care, AI is also being used to streamline administrative tasks and improve the efficiency of healthcare systems. AI-powered chatbots can assist patients with scheduling appointments, answering common questions, and providing information about their healthcare plans. This can help reduce wait times, improve patient satisfaction, and free up healthcare providers to focus on more complex tasks.
Despite the potential benefits of AI in healthcare, there are also challenges and concerns that need to be addressed. One of the main concerns is the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare, particularly in areas such as patient privacy, data security, and algorithm bias. It is important for healthcare providers to ensure that AI systems are developed and implemented in a responsible and transparent manner, with a focus on protecting patient rights and maintaining trust in the healthcare system.
Overall, the development of AI in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. By harnessing the power of AI, healthcare providers can improve outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of care for patients around the world. It is important for stakeholders in the healthcare industry to continue to explore the potential of AI and work together to address the challenges and concerns associated with its use.
