By Morgan Clark
June is Pride month and there are many ways to celebrate. Go to the pride parade. learn about historic figures for the LGBTQ+
community. or watch an incredible competition show called Legendary. That’s what I did. Legendary spotlights the ballroom culture and educates those who do not know about the ballroom scene. Luckily, I have some knowledge about the ballroom from another great show for the LGBTQ+ community, Pose. The ballroom was created in the 1970s as a safe-haven for brown and black queers. Houses showcase their fashion sense and talents to win titles and trophies. On the show, ten houses compete for the title, Legendary House,” and win a $100,000 cash prize. Each week the judges and contestants participate in a theme. The first judge is Law Roach. If you have not heard of him, he is a designer for celebrities such as Céline Dion and Zendaya, who paved a way for himself with some of the most iconic looks from this decade. The next judge is Megan Thee Stallion, a raptress who has encouraged women to embrace their sexuality and bodies, coining the term “Hot Girl Summer.” Following Megan Thee Stallion, is Jameela Jamil, a British actress, and activist. She is known for her role on The Good Place and making a space on her Instagram account that allows others to post about their weight and normalize it. The last judge is the iconic Leiomy Maldonado, who has been in the ballroom scene since the age of 15, and gained the name, the “Wonder Woman of Vogue.” Leiomy became an icon in the ballroom community as an international voguing star who has since transitioned to model and actress. Even the emcee, Dashaun Wesley, is considered a world-renowned dancer and icon in the ballroom community. He even competed on MTV alongside Leiomy on America’s Best Dance Crew.
Besides the outstanding judges, the houses are incredible with each of them showcasing their talents. But what makes them incredible are the stories behind each house that show viewers they are a family and that there is more to the ballroom scene than the voguing. There is family and community. Legendary has shown how important the ballroom scene is to the LGTBQ+ community and why it should be on a platform.