medranochav

legendaryballroomscene:

The Icon, The Pioneer, The Reason.

Crystal Labeija

Competing regularly in Drag competitions ruled by white men where black queens had to lighten their looks, Crystal saw a need for something. Something where the black and latinx queer and trans people could thrive, be celebrated for their beauty and have fun doing it. She is the reason why Ballroom is what it is today. She is the reason why we have houses. She is the reason we will continue to do what we do.

Photo from, The Queen, 1968.