QUEER REVOLUTIONARIES Javannah Davis

In the 1960s and 1970s the pageant world was overwhelmingly integrated – for women of color, lightening your skin with makeup was the norm for a chance at winning. In her early years, Crystal worked, competed, and made a name for herself during the 1960s Manhattan drag circuit. She was a fur fanatic who was an epitome of glamour and poise. Ultimately, she went on to win the title “Miss Manhattan”, an achievement which would land her a spot in future affluent pageants.

Unbeknownst to her, she would make history on a cold Monday evening - February 13th, 1967. On this night, the Miss All-America Camp Beauty Contest was held at New York City's Town Hall. Announced as the third runner up & coming in fourth place, Crystal unleashes her long overdue rage at judges and walks off stage. In that moment, she realized the standard of beauty was solely based on race. The winner was announced as a much younger, less than-glamorous White woman. The unforgettable events of the evening would be captured on film in the Iconic 1968 documentary The Queen.

Sick and tired of being overlooked, Crystals good friend Lottie convinced her to start her own pageant. Crystal was the pioneer of civil rights, equality, and integration of pageants. In 1972, Crystal & Lottie LaBeija presents: “The 1st Annual House of LaBeija Ball” at Up the Downstairs Case in Harlem, NY. It was the first of its kind to welcome those from their community, people who looked like them, people who lived like them, people who were them – people of color! The House of LaBeija is the first ballroom house and was the first to host benefits to raise awareness during the 1980s HIV/AIDS epidemic. 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. There is little information surrounding Crystal’s death in the mid-90s from organ failure due to her extreme hormone regimen, however her legacy lives on.

References: The Royal House of LaBeija