It was the first ballroom house to host benefits to raise awareness during the 1980s HIV/AIDS epidemic.
[1] Crystal and Lottie established the House of LaBeija in response to the racially oppressive drag pageant system of 1960s America.
This is thought to be the birth of house culture within the ballroom scene—as it is known today.
[3] Houses serve as alternative families, primarily for gay, gender nonconforming and transgender youth and others who feel ostracized from conventional support systems.
[5] The film pays homage to the Royal House of LaBeija through a series of letters from its members.