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] In 1972, Crystal & Lottie LaBeija presents: “The 1st Annual House of LaBeija Ball” at Up the Downstairs Case in Harlem, NY. 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]
The Term - "House"
In ballroom, a “house” is a safe- haven for queer people of color and a home with a family for those who don’t have one. As with any traditional home, it is structured with a Mother (the head/leader/financier of the house) and Children (younger members of the house). A staple that is still implemented today.
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]
