RIAW - Paris is Burning (1990) with Bri Pruett

Why do we slay all day? Why do we serve? Why is it giving? It’s all thanks to drag ballroom culture, and drag’s permeation of mainstream is in large part thanks to Paris is Burning (1990).

Across the board, we loved this legendary documentary by Jennie Livingston, with its executive realness, vintage 80s b-roll, and giant trophies.

Also:
🌳Tree fan Bri Pruett is back and saw another good tree!
😪Anthony’s suffering through sleep regression.
🦋Hunter’s gotta watch out for moths

So if you’re looking for some podcast realness and the origin for pretty much all of today’s slang, you might just love Paris is Burning.

Liked it? The RIAWlgorthim says may also enjoy:

👀How Do I Look a Paris is Burning spiritual sequel

👑The Queen (1968) a Paris is Burning spiritual prequel

🌹 Funeral Parade of Roses (Hunter’s pick)

🏁RuPaul’s Drag Race (Bri’s Pick)

👏Pose (Bri’s Pick)

📺 I Saw the TV Glow (Anthony’s Pick)

Other Recs:
🎲Molly House, the board game by Jo Kelly with additional design from Cole Wehrle & Ricky Royal with illustrations by Rachel Ford.(Hunter’s pick)

🎲Hunter’s hosting a tournament at Guardian Games in Portland 6/27-29 and doing shows!

🤩Bri’s in an award-winning short film, “ Relationship to Patient” with H. Jon Benjamin! (Bri’s Pick)
🤩Also Bri’s doing improv and standup in LA!

🌆 Pre-Giuliani, New York (Anthony’s)
🛏️Sleep. Always sleep.

Recorded on 4/11/25 (in case you're wondering what specific world craziness we were experiencing)

Editing by Zach Hahn
Music by @mitrxxx