The RoyalHouse of LaBeija is a prominent drag family founded by Crystal LaBeija and Lottie LaBeija in 1968.[1] Crystal and Lottie established the House of LaBeija in response to the racially oppressive drag pageant system of 1960s America.[2] Their first event was called "Crystal & Lottie LaBeija presents the first annual House of Labeija Ball at Up the Downstairs Case on West 115th Street & 5th Avenue in Harlem, NY."[1] This is thought to be the birth of house culture within the ballroom scene—as it is known today.[3] Houses serve as alternative families, primarily for gay, gender nonconforming and transgender youth and others who feel ostracized from conventional support systems.[4]
House of LaBeija Film
On April 19, 2022, the Tribeca Film Festival announced that the House of LaBeija, a short film created by Fredgy Noël, would be featured at the festival.[5] The film pays homage to the Royal House of LaBeija through a series of letters from its members. The film casts Vivian LaBeija, Samil LaBeija, Krystal LaBeija, Jasmine Rice LaBeija, Bougie LaBeija, Jeffrey Bryant, and Diovanna LaBeija.[6][7]
House mothers and fathers
Like other drag families, the House of LaBeija is structured like a family, with a house “mother” and “father” who oversee and direct the group.
Main feature in the Documentary 'PIER Kids: The Life'. She is the First Trans' 'SINGER' to appear on 'B.E.T.(Black Entertainment Television) and 'Apollo Live' in Harlem. WNBA Arizona Mercury - Dancer, Lead Role (Baby Simba) in 'Lion King', Writer & Cast in House Of LaBeija Short Film. She's a Certified Producer for MNN Studios (Manhattan Neighborhood Network) & co-owner of (GHMammalZ~ GHtv) & continues to Advocate for the POC Queer community through Media & Visual Arts & Productions.
