Crystal LaBeija

Crystal LaBeija was an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly known for her role in the ball culture scene in New York City. She was a pioneering drag queen and the founder of the House of LaBeija, one of the first and most prominent drag houses.

Early Life

Crystal LaBeija was born in the 1930s. Little is known about her early life, but she emerged as a significant figure in the drag scene by the 1960s.

Career

Crystal LaBeija gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. She was known for her beauty, charisma, and outspoken nature. She participated in many drag balls, which were underground events where drag queens competed in various categories.

Founding of the House of LaBeija

In 1972, Crystal LaBeija founded the House of LaBeija in response to the racism she experienced in the drag pageant circuit. The House of LaBeija became a sanctuary for many young, black, and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals. It provided a sense of family and community, which was often lacking in their lives.

Legacy

Crystal LaBeija's impact on the drag and LGBTQ+ communities is profound. She is credited with helping to shape the modern ball culture and inspiring future generations of drag performers. Her legacy lives on through the continued prominence of the House of LaBeija and the many other houses that followed its example.

In Popular Culture

Crystal LaBeija was featured in the 1968 documentary film The Queen, which provided a glimpse into the drag ball scene and highlighted the discrimination faced by black and Latino queens. Her legacy was further cemented by the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning, which explored the lives of several members of the ball culture community, including members of the House of LaBeija.

See Also

• Ball culture
• House of LaBeija
• Paris Is Burning
• LGBTQ+ history