Born out of the racism and classism of the 1960s and 70s, ballroom offered Black and Latino trans women and gay men a space to build "houses" (families) and compete in "balls." Categories included "Realness" (the art of passing as a cisgender person of a specific gender or profession), "Voguing" (a stylized dance mimicking fashion models), and "Face."

In that spirit, we move forward—not as separate factions, but as a rainbow coalition bound by the simple, revolutionary belief that everyone deserves to love who they love and be who they are. If you or someone you know is struggling with gender identity or suicidal thoughts, contact The Trevor Project (866-488-7386) or the Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860).

This dynamic creates two sets of tensions:

Their activism highlights a painful truth: The transgender community did not join the gay rights movement midway—they founded it. Yet, in the years following Stonewall, as the gay rights movement sought mainstream acceptance, trans individuals were often pushed aside. The "respectability politics" of the 1970s and 80s frequently excluded drag queens and trans women, whom gay male leaders deemed "too radical" or "embarrassing."