Originating in Harlem, New York, during the late 20th century, Ballroom culture was created by Black and Latinx transgender women and gay men as a safe haven from racism within the broader gay community and transphobia in society. "Houses" acted as chosen families, led by House Mothers and Fathers who mentored young queer people.

You cannot write the history of LGBTQ culture without centering the transgender community, despite attempts by revisionists to erase them.

As the political right launches record-breaking anti-trans legislation (bans on gender-affirming care, drag show restrictions, and sports bans), the broader LGBTQ culture is being forced to pick a side. Increasingly, they are choosing solidarity.

Transgender individuals, particularly Black and Indigenous trans women, face disproportionately high rates of hate-fueled physical violence, homicide, and domestic abuse.

Initiated early direct-action protests (Compton's, Stonewall); pioneered mutual aid networks (STAR).

An estimated 20% of trans people have experienced homelessness. For Black trans people, that number rises to 40%. This forces trans women into survival sex work, which puts them at the intersection of transphobia, racism, and the criminal legal system. Gay bars often eject trans sex workers; shelters reject them based on gender. The result is a street economy that operates entirely outside the "respectable" LGBTQ culture of brunch and Netflix.