How Do I Look

How Do I Look is an enlightening documentary style film that was released in 2006. This film seizes the opportunity to delve deep into the atmosphere of the LGBTQ+ ball culture, predominantly focusing on the African American and Latino gay, lesbian and transgender communities.

One of the main stars of the film is Tracy Africa, a renowned pioneering black transgender model. She has an outstanding and commanding presence throughout, offering viewers an authentic embodiment of this vibrant culture. Her story is inspirational, showing her warmth, resilience and an insight into the life of an individual rising to become a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

Joining Tracy Africa in the spotlight is Kevin Aviance, a well-known club drag artist, known for his unique style and flamboyant personality. His music has continually blazed through the club scene and his locally-famous voguing ability provides a riveting side to the movie. Aviance’s background and influence on the club scene provides a dynamic link to ballroom culture.

The inclusion of Jaimee Balenciaga adds another diverse layer to the film. Jaimee Balenciaga, a legendary member of the House of Balenciaga lends gravity to the film, showcasing the importance of the community structures within the ballroom scene. Balenciaga’s insight into the structure and function of the 'Houses' that run the scene adds depth to the viewing experience, offering an interpretation of camaraderie, competition, and sense of belonging each house provides to its members.

Directed by Wolfgang Busch, the film investigates the compelling and often overlooked universe of ball competitions, where fierce vogue battles and runaway walks are the order of the day. The film has an exuberant yet informative tone and invites you to witness the mesmerising performances of various entertainers who compete fiercely for the applause and admiration of their peers in categories that celebrate creativity, improvisation and self-expression. It captures the essence of self-expression, creativity and pride these individuals embody, a strong representation of the powerful sense of community fostered amongst these individuals.

In addition to showcasing the visual and performance aspect of ball culture, How Do I Look delves into some of the more serious issues faced by the community. It explores the hostility and discrimination they face, dramatically revealing the courage and resilience they display in challenging societal norms. The documentary seeks to give these individuals a voice and to shine a light on the world they love, bringing the audience closer to the lived experiences and struggles that many within the community face. It opens up dialogue about taking pride in who you are, taking on the adversity met by the LGBTQ+ community, and doing so with unwavering grace and strength.

The soundtrack of How Do I Look is equally captivating; it features music from the ball culture, largely booming with disco, house, and dance mixes, providing an electrifying ambiance to the movie.

To sum it up, How Do I Look takes you on an intimate journey, exploring the flamboyant world of ball culture while interweaving the intriguing life stories of its major stars. It showcases the vivacity, diversity and resilience that is a beacon within this community. It’s not just a celebration of creativity and self-expression, it’s a vital record of a vibrant culture that has overcome adversity and discrimination to shape its unique identity.」

Whether you’re new to ball culture or already a fan, How Do I Look provides a dynamic, in-depth look into a world that brims with pride, creativity and strength, while also offering an open-handed invitation for you to learn, understand, and appreciate this vibrant subculture.