If you are cisgender and reading this, or if you are a cis LGB person wondering how to bridge the gap, here is the truth:

The art of vogue, popularized by Madonna in the 1990s, originated not in gay clubs, but in the Harlem ballroom scene of the 1960s-80s, a subculture created by and for Black and Latino trans women and gay men. The "balls" were fantastical competitions where trans women could walk categories like "Realness," competing to be perceived as cisgender. Ballroom gave LGBTQ culture a lexicon of fierce competition, family (houses), and resilience that remains dominant today.

If you or someone you know is struggling, seek support. In the US, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386.

If you're interested in learning more about the transgender community and LGBTQ culture, here are some resources: