Arts & Entertainment

‘Paris is Burning’ will return to theaters for Pride month

The cult documentary paved the way for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ ‘Pose’

Published

7 years ago

April 11, 2019

Mariah Cooper

Paris is Burning, gay news, Washington Blade

“Paris is Burning” will be re-released in theaters in time for Pride month.

The 1990 cult documentary followed the Latinx and African American underground ballroom scene in New York City during the 1980s. It brought ball stars Willi Ninja, Pepper, LaBeija, Octavia St. Laurent and Venus Xtravaganza into the spotlight chronicling their joys and hardships.

It became the foundation for shows such as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and FX’s “Pose,” which is heavily inspired by the documentary. The film was added to the National Film Registry in 2016 for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Director Jennie Livingston has given the film a digital restoration to be released for a two-week run in New York City starting June 14 followed by a nationwide theatrical release.

Photos

PHOTOS: Equality Prince William Pride

Fifth annual LGBTQ celebration held in Manassas, Va.

Published

12 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Landon Shackelford

Mayor of Manassas Michelle Davis-Younger, center, cuts the ribbon to open Equality Prince William Pride at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party

Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2026

Daniel Truitt

Ashley Biden accepts an award on behalf of her brother, Beau Biden, at the Washington Blade's Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)