I recently viewed the documentary Paris is Burning , and without much foresight as to the content of the film it was definitely interesting. The movie follows the lives of gay men and transvestites living in New York City, completely dependant on the gay subculture for fame and confidence's sake. The doc focuses in on the passions and popularity of "the ball" in the gay community. Considering I just presented on homosexuality in the media and the creation of gay subcultures, this documentary was relevant to the processes of my thoughts lately. It is both sad and inspiring that this community has so much to look forward to and depend on within the ball community. It is unfortunate that the transvestites and queers interviewed and depicted in the film cannot feel the fame and fortune of their ball in a hetero-based festival. It is refreshing, however in that these marginalized groups have the ability to create their own inclusive environment outside of such a subjugating one. The joy involved with the ball, and in particular the ball for these men called "Paris is Burning" is bittersweet. It is joyous that these events may exist annually and sporadically across the area yet depressing considering the social constraints creating a means for such a sub festival.
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