documentary start in 1986 in nyc where black and hispanic drag queen hold ball . that where they dress up however they like and strut their stuff in front of an audience and be vote on . we get to know many of the member and see how they all hold together and support each other . a one man say to another you have three strike against you youre black and gay and a drag queen . these be people who ( sadly ) be not accept in society only at the ball . there they can be whoever and whatever they want and be accept . then the film cut to three year later ( 1989 ) and you see how thing have change ( tragically for some ) . sound depress but it not . most of the people interview be actually very funny and get a lot of humor out of their situation . theyre well aware of their position in society and accept it with humor just a they should . we find out they all live in house run by various mother and all help each other out . the sense of community in this film be fascinate . when this film come out in 1990 it be controversial and a big hit . it win best documentary award at numerous festival but be never even nominate for an academy award . their reason be black and hispanic drag queen be not academy material . fascinate isn not it . homophobia and racism all together . see today it still a great film and a period piece . it just isn not like that anymore the ny they show no long exist . the ball be still hold but not in the spirit we see here . also drag have become more accepted in society ( for good or bad ) . and i have hear the house be go too . that kind of sad . i would like to know where these character be now i know two died of aid but i have no idea about the others . and what do happen to that 13 year old and 15 year old show . still and it a one of a kind documentary fascinating and funny and rivet . a must see all the way . a definite 10. where the dvd .