Ballroom culture emerged in New York City in the 1920s as a response to the prejudice LGBTQ+ communities were facing, especially communities of color. Black and Latinx queer youth began to cultivate support networks and create their own family structures (or "houses") to provide a safe space to embrace and express their identities through performance. Through these networks, the underground ballroom (or ball) scene evolved into a subculture with its own unique fashion, dance styles, and vocabulary.

In celebration of Pride month, we explore the history and impact of ball culture, plus highlight apps, shows, and resources to help you learn more.

The first drag balls were held after the Civil War and gained popularity during the Harlem Renaissance. These balls featured both men in female dress and women in male dress, and quickly gained a significant following despite the risk of police raids. Though the balls were racially integrated, they weren’t free of discrimination. Up through the 1960s, most of the judges were white, and Black contestants rarely won prizes.

You can learn more about the origins of ballroom culture by streaming documentaries and competition clips on YouTube.

After claiming that judges in a 1967 drag pageant had discriminated against contestants of color, Crystal LaBeija, a Black drag queen from New York, started her own ball and the first ever ballroom house: the House of LaBeija. As LaBeija created a safe space for queer Black and Latinx youth to express themselves and compete, a more inclusive underground scene flourished. Throughout the 1970s, these “house balls” began to include gay men and male-presenting people, differentiating them from traditional drag balls.

Find out more about diversity and the ballroom scene by streaming Pose, a Hulu show that follows the stories of queens of color.

Participants belong to different “houses,” each led by a house “mother” or “father” who provides support to newer members. During a competition, judges score performers based on factors like how well they present their outfits, compete in themed challenges, and strut a catwalk. Many performances feature “voguing,” a dance style famous for dramatic hand movements and poses inspired by runway models.

For more about ballroom houses and voguing, stream the competition show Legendary on Max.

Ballroom culture offers an opportunity for queer youth of color to embrace their identities and celebrate what makes them unique. Free from constraints on sexuality and gender expression, ball contestants can experience glamor and fame while being authentically themselves. Today, ballroom culture thrives in cities across the US and continues to be a crucial source of community.

While many participants face rejection from their birth families, houses offer support, meaningful connection, and encouragement to stand up to adversity. For LGBTQ+ people of color, balls are a place to escape the prejudice and hostility they face in the outside world, and join a community in which they can feel and create something beautiful.

If you’re looking for support, explore these apps.