Name: "Paris is Burning"

Date:  1985 - 1995

Location:  North America

SubjectRacial/Ethnic , Sexual/Gender Orientation

MediumFilm Video


Artist: Jennie Livingston, Miramax and the NEA

Confronting Bodies: Dr. Ted Baehr's Christian Film and Television Commission

Date of Action: 1992

Specific Location: New York City and Washington, DC

Description of Artwork: A documentary film depicting homosexuality and gay balls in New York City.

Description of Incident: The Christian Film and Television Commission called for "all moral Americans" to boycott Jennie Livingston's "Paris is Burning," charging that it was a "homosexual propaganda film." Livingston received grants from Art Matters, Inc., the New York State Council on the Arts, and the NEA film and video program.

Results of Incident: "Paris is Burning" received international attention and distribution. The Commission continues to recommend local ratings boards for film.

Source: Artistic Freedom Under Attack 1992



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