“Paris Is Burning”…Frank Ocean?

In the 1990 documentary, Paris Is Burning directed by Jennie Livingston (who now works on the popular show of the same subject Pose), it explores ball culture of New York City in the 80s that involved the BIPOC queer community. The film in itself delves into the precipice of how ball culture revolving BIPOC queer people and “houses”, “walking”, “mothers”, and many more became a protest against heteronormativity and their own shelter/form of surviving. Now, what does this have to do with Frank Ocean well it has little and much to do with him. For one, Frank Ocean celebrated 30th birthday party in true Paris Is Burning fashion, no literally, he did. Where as some may see this as Ocean paying homage to the greats of ball culture, it is much more than that. See, post coming out, Ocean has been more open about his sexuality, it’s both noticeable in his music lyrically and through his activities, such as his Paris Is Burning themed birthday. It’s more than just a party theme but it’s Ocean recognizing the works and effort of the BIPOC Queer community of that time and how they’ve paved the way for him and the current BIPOC Queer community. It’s very important to note that Ocean specifically uses BIPOC Queer history as his theme because something Ocean has made very clear in his music and foreword for Moonlight that he not only is queer but he is black.

Now even though is one of the biggest stars and sought after artist, it goes without saying that he is also one of the world’s greatest chameleons. As he “maintains the mystery” of his life and music, word and videos of his Paris Is Burning themed party was scarce. Now, most artists and celebrities have a right to their own privacy, however, Ocean seems to be the byproduct of the media and industry in the likes of Lauryn Hill and Joaquin Phoenix.

Blonded Contributors. “Frank Ocean Writes Forward for ‘Moonlight’ Book.” Blonded.blog, Blonded.blog, 26 Sept. 2019, blonded.blog/news/frank-ocean-wrote-a-forward-for-moonlight-book.

Livingston, Jennie, director. Paris Is Burning. Paramount, 1990.