Ballroom kultura in njen izrazit jezik

Ballroom culture was developed by Black and Latinx LGBTQIA+ individuals in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Harlem, New York, as a powerful response to countless instances of racism, queerphobia, and violence, both within the broader LGBTQIA+ community and society at large. They carved out safe spaces where queer people of color could freely explore their gender identity, sexuality, and find a sense of belonging and family. Within these spaces, a culturally rich ecosystem emerged, along with a unique and vibrant language. These creative and carefully crafted expressions reflect the distinct experiences of the Ballroom community and are grounded in the gender system and performativity, thereby serving as means both for identification within the community and for navigating the harsh terrain of the outside world. Over time, Ballroom vernacular made its way into mainstream use due to its growing presence in mainstream media. Words like slay, realness, shade, and others, can be seen plastered all over social media, printed on clothing, and heard in everyday conversations. However, many individuals who use such expressions are unaware that at the root of this language lies a long history of discrimination, racism, and violence, all of which sadly remain prevalent in today’s society. Furthermore, the community’s resources and culture are constantly being appropriated, with false ownership claimed, and credit rarely given. This thesis aims to shine a spotlight on a community that has long been marginalized, ostracized, and erased by the white heteronormative society. In addition, I have compiled a glossary of Ballroom slang and conducted interviews with local Kiki Ballroom members to raise awareness of the culture’s rightful ownership and to provide a local perspective rooted in appreciation. The glossary entries are further categorized by their phraseological units, their linguistic characteristics are analyzed, and their treatment in both general and specialized dictionaries is also examined. This thesis serves as an homage to the remarkable resilience, creativity, and authenticity of a culture that has left a permanent beauty mark on the face of this planet.