Realness
Being able to pass as a cisgender straight woman or cisgender straight man
Houses
Defined by Dorian Corey as "gay street gangs," a form of fictive family among members of the ballroom scene that stands in place of the biological families that may have rejected them due to their identities
Balls
Competitions in the Harlem area between members of gay and transgender communities, including dress style, appearance, and dancing capabilities
Ballrooms
The places where such competitions are held, usually within gay community centers
Butch, or Butch Queen
Term assigned to those in the ballroom circuit presenting themselves as conventionally masculine
House Mothers and Fathers
Members of Houses who act as parental figures for other members of the House. They may provide housing, emotional support, fashion advice, and aid in producing costumes for the balls. These members usually ascend to that position after having won a number of balls, or by founding the House.
Vogueing
Style of dance performed in the balls, vogueing takes its name from the fashion publication Vogue. The dance is composed of various poses mimicking those used by editorial models. It also takes inspiration from the stiff positions shown in Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Dynasty
Dynasty was a television show running from 1981 to 1989 centering around two extremely wealthy families. This show is aspirational for many of the interviewees in the documentary, and is featured as a category for competition in the ballroom.
Banjee
Term associated with young people from New York City that the emcee of the ballroom defines as being able to "hang with the roughest"
Hustling
Slang term for escorting, prostitution, or other sex work
Stunting
Tricking or swindling, used in the documentary in the context of shoplifting clothing or stealing food from restaurants
Reading
Defined by Dorian Corey as "the real art form of insult." Reading involves the exaggeration of a flaw, as well as insults pertaining to the competitor's mental state or appearance
Shade, or Throwing Shade
A more advanced form of "reading" that entails implied insults given through vogue-style dancing
Butch Queen
A masculine-looking woman
Mother
The leader of a particular House
Founder
The originator of a particular House
Slay
To walk or present oneself with confidence, especially related to fashion
Sashay Away
To walk away in a powerful and flamboyant manner
Shantay You Stay
To encourage someone to keep doing what they are doing, especially during performance
Mopping
Shoplifting
