Paris Dupree

Paris Dupree

Paris Dupree (1941 – August 2011) was an American drag queen, promoter, and dance pioneer. She is best known for founding the Paris Is Burning ball, which inspired the critically acclaimed documentary film of the same name.

Early life

Dupree was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1941. Little is known about her early life, but she moved to New York City in the 1960s, where she became involved in the city's vibrant LGBTQ community.

Career

In the late 1970s, Dupree began organizing the Paris Is Burning ball, a competition that brought together members of the LGBTQ community to compete in various categories, including voguing, a dance style that Dupree helped popularize. The ball became a staple of New York City's LGBTQ scene and was known for its inclusivity and celebration of diversity.

Dupree's work caught the attention of filmmaker Jennie Livingston, who decided to make a documentary about the ball. The film, also titled Paris Is Burning, was released in 1990 and received widespread critical acclaim. It is now considered a landmark in LGBTQ cinema.

Legacy

Dupree's contributions to the LGBTQ community and the world of dance have been widely recognized. She is often credited with helping to bring voguing into the mainstream and for creating a safe space for LGBTQ individuals to express themselves.

Death

Dupree passed away in August 2011. Her death was mourned by many in the LGBTQ community, who remembered her as a trailblazer and advocate.

See also

• LGBT culture in New York City
• Ball culture
• History of dance

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