Crystal LaBeija's epic read from The Queen (1968) - "I have a RIGHT to show my color, darling!"

"The mother of all drag documentaries" (NYTimes) is now available on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD: bit.ly/2SG1LEQ
New 4K restoration from the original camera negative! More than 40 years before RuPaul's Drag Race, this ground-breaking documentary about the 1967 Miss All-America Camp Beauty Pageant introduced audiences to the world of competitive drag. The film takes us backstage to kiki with the contestants as they rehearse, throw shade, and transform into their drag personas in the lead-up to the big event. Organized by LGBT icon and activist Flawless Sabrina, the competition boasted a star-studded panel of judges including Andy Warhol and his superstars Edie Sedgwick and Mario Montez. But perhaps most memorable is an epic diatribe calling out the pageant scene’s racial bias delivered by Crystal LaBeija, who would go on to form the influential House of LaBeija, heavily featured in Paris Is Burning (1990). A vibrant piece of queer history, The Queen can now be seen in full resplendence thanks to a new restoration from the original camera negative.

[@mortal-enemy]

"I DECLARE HER ONE OF THE UGLIER PEOPLE OF THE WORLD" The beauty. The grace. The shade.

[@Uhohlisa]

That’s not shade. That was outright.

[@kovin-ashleychetty5159]

Girl gone shut down the library !

[@bejaromero2523]

That is an utterly iconic line

[@SouLoveReal]

That was NOT a shade, that was READ. A SHADE was when the blonde one say, "And next time she should drop the outfit off at the cleaners before she wears it on stage," to IMPLY that the outfit was dirty or wrinkled. A READ would be more like, "Why was she trying to present wrinkles and stains for beauty?"

[@kylielovespuppiecash]

" I have better things to do but I'll come compete. " 💄

[@Iyana]

_"I have a right to show my color, I am beautiful and I know I'm beautiful"._ That was such a powerful and perfect respose to that hateful comment.

[@leefrancis007]

I wouldn't call the phrase you're showing your true colours as racist. It's a comment about personality not literally colour.

[@AikoFox]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@ShanteRoxxane]

Lee Francis, It's a dog whistle. If you can't see that you're extremely dense and don't understand American racism.

[@walkz007]

@@leefrancis007 well that didn't go well did it lol

[@bejaromero2523]

So so true!! :D

[@jesykahashope]

Wow, Aja did an amazing impression of her on Drag Race

[@tyh3784]

robbed mama

[@demon2051]

Because she rephrased some of her words

[@demon2051]

Like what other queens do

[@demon2051]

Not impersonations Just rephrasing

[@thedarthflagger]

Her hair and her attitude were t big enough to do Crystal. Everyone says shes the embodiment of Crystal but I think Venus Extravaganza would have suited her better.

[@Daedalus510]

LaBeija was not being a sore loser; rather, she was responding to racial prejudice within the pageant system of the 1960s. With her dark hair piled high atop her head, rhinestone tiara, and pale pink lipstick, LaBeija called out Harlow’s makeup as inferior because, at the time, black queens could be flawless - sickening even - and still lose to their white counterparts. LaBeija accused Sabrina of rigging the competition in favor of her protégée Harlow, and because she knew the cameras were on her, proclaimed she did not want her image used to make money off the depiction of a racist pageant. While it is unclear whether Sabrina or the judges really did rig the competition, the racial bias of the pageant system of the time was undeniable.

[@annoir]

Thank you for providing context and background on this, it helped me understand what was going on!

[@CrysInChrist]

Thank you educating us!!!

[@gregeggeddyed]

Thank you x

[@theeyesbutterfly6089]

👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽🗣🗣🗣

[@EmmaLPeel]

Exactly why Ball Culture came to be.

[@Fumi007]

"And that's why ALL the true beauties didn't come!" Gotta find a way to work that into a dramatic exit.

[@edphilly5772]

DaPopoloinParadise Me too😂😂😂

[@mr.6564]

Right😂

[@Mclaren_karen]

Exactly Sis😂💯💯

[@candygood1295]

Ew

[@deathtrapp3395]

Facts

[@cybeliandiamonds6445]

I love the way they speak, the enunciation, the vernacular, the way they project their voice. Iconic.

[@Wee-Snaw]

I know I'm replying to a year old comment but I agree. I think most languages sounded better in the mid 20th century because there was less mainstream slang and more emphasis on speaking clearly. I'm learning French and most of the time I'll understand older French people or French recordings from the 1960s a lot better than I will modern day spoken French. Then again I wasn't around back then so this could all be very well due to the fact that we mainly only hear recordings from people whose job description included having to pronounce things clearly instead of the common everyday person.

[@philipmatthews2107]

@@Wee-Snaw that is actually pretty common thing whilst learning foreign languages. What we are being taught is usually an example of a literary language, sophisticated and educated. That is why oftentimes people who studied a certain language and for the first time having landed in the destination place where this language is being used, end up having a panic attack, not understanding a word on the street.

[@tomrobinsondc]

Also replying to your comment more than a year later... but you are actually on to something from a linguistic standpoint that has actually been studied. The “affected” enunciation (e-nun-sssssi-a-ssshun), particularly with the use of the frontal /s/ sound and its staccato like delivery is typically perceived as more feminine. In fact decibel measurements show that females produce significantly higher frequencies (6500-8100 Hz) of the frontal /s/ sound than males do (4000-7000 Hz). So as a gender construct, drag queens tend to overly enunciate their words and also rely on the frontal /s/ sound to more easily “sound” feminine.

[@oceans80]

@@tomrobinsondc Interesting thank you. What did you think of the speed? I felt they spoke slower than we do today.

[@tomrobinsondc]

@@oceans80 I don’t recall Miss LaBeija speaking slowly at all, cuz a pissed off drag queen will spill her tea in a nano second, hunty! 💀💯 But generally, in order to enunciate clearly it does take more time. Of course, these ladies are also “acting” on multiple levels-they’re quite aware of the camera and the performance they’re giving.

[@aaronmitchell2873]

I have a right to show my color Darling. I'm beautiful and I KNOW I'm beautiful. -Crystal LaBeija and every other Black person on planet Earth.

[@matthewharjo7512]

Every person of color.

[@miarawks]

@@matthewharjo7512 every black person people of color aren't black people she was black honey not a person of color. 👋🏾😒

[@chimcham6762]

Matthew Harjo We said black and that’s that on that!

[@fantasticplanet2002]

@@matthewharjo7512 we know all people of colour feel this but comment is about black people don't derail the comment

[@pand5458]

@@fantasticplanet2002 And know that they're not thinking about a black person of color...messy!

[@FREELEOONE]

"She said, Crystal darling, don't go. Because you're not going to get it. And that's why all the true beauties didn't come!" This two minute clip is better than all of the reality tv shows on the air combined. LOL

[@ronrendon]

facts

[@iantuition]

the way she pronounced it as "DEAUNT GEAUX" >

[@erikstone2321]

Yet numerous girls were more beautiful than Crystal 🤣

[@Nichole.Monroe]

​@@erikstone2321not a white gay trying to read the dolls

[@erikstone2321]

@NikkiCicchillitti Wow you must be so evolved using someone’s race as a form of argument 🤮 So me accurately stating that numerous girls were more beautiful is somehow a read in your mind?! 🤪🤡

[@leanicole7188]

When people say Elecktra doesn’t know how to “ACT” .. um no honey my good sis was taking all the notes 📝

[@LydiaMonroe]

FACTS!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@keantehill2375]

Lea Nicole whooo said that? They lied.

[@leanicole7188]

Ke'Ante Hill I love me some funky dineva but he had my sis messed up lol

[@QuixoticUkulele]

That's who my mind went to.

[@jasminee1357]

Exactly

[@kimjohnson8471]

Only Crystal could say "Dawh-ling" with such venom. She was and is LEGENDARY!

[@PungiFungi]

I wonder if she wasn't the inspiration for the characters DIvine played in John Waters' films. Crystal's rapidfire insults is very reminiscent of Divine's onscreen persona.

[@santiagocamargo1295]

“SHE BETTER GET THE HELL BACK TO PHILADELPHIA BECAUSE SHE IS ONE OF THE WORST” iconic

[@erikstone2321]

Oh threatening violence against her is iconic huh? Disgraceful! You should be ashamed of yourself!

[@Mariah203]

​@@erikstone2321no one threatened violence against her 🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️

[@evienicks]

@@Mariah203 N-nobody was killed?

[@adonaiyah2196]

Underrated line

[@huitrecouture]

Iconic STUPIDITY considering Harlow was extremely successful back in Philadelphia.

[@SimonSozzi7258]

Wow! Listen to the tone policing at the end. "You know that's in bad taste. You're showing your Color." ..."I have a right to show my color!" Damm right! (Read the dissenting comments below for textbook examples of "gaslighting")

[@snixmoscato3343]

Ikr!! I can’t believe “ur showing ur color” was used here as a criticism, she’s gorgeous BECAUSE of her color!!

[@jamesrowland5169]

@@snixmoscato3343 Not to be inherently dismissive because if it was in regards to her skin color yes its fucked but "Showing your color" is an old time expression for showing your emotions and feelings such as "Green" with envy or "Blue" with sadness

[@lilhypnotique]

James Rowland Well it was not used in the latter expression. It was a dig at her showing her skin color. Because the queens of color aka black got heated at that comment . “Don’t you tell her bout showing no color!”

[@witchsistah]

@@lilhypnotique He tried it. 😒

[@Uhohlisa]

Kaleah Collins how are you so sure?

[@daviddavid-hp9ns]

Wow, it's crazy how you can see their influence until today. It doesn't seem like it's from 1968 if it wasn't for the video quality. The way they were talking is very modern. Gays are truly innovative.

[@jessicafashionlover2148]

david david darlin

[@afghhgsa5593]

gays? I think not! TRANS WOMEN?-yes

[@xxxenaaa1993]

Yas DAAAAWWWWLING

[@mitztheo]

Is the way queens of the past spoke modern, or is the way modern queens speak retro?? None the less, a very a very innovative and vibrant community. Alot of the slang and colloquialisms being used in pop culture today are "borrowed" the drag queen and ballroom scenes of the 60's and 70's.

[@mitztheo]

@@afghhgsa5593 are these trans women or drag queens??

[@ashley595727]

The friend repeating “ don’t tell her bout showing no color” until he is heard! 👏👏👏👏

[@MrArchandroid]

I heard that 👏🏾

[@cquiller1]

She gives me Elektra Abundance teas.

[@dubsideproductions2859]

Candice Quiller Elektra is based on her

[@cvvxs3581]

Dubside Productions i thought elektra was based on pepper labeija

[@DeeSade]

cvvxs they combined characters

[@heyLORDitsme]

Very much!

[@Angel_Mayberry]

SHE is the blueprint

[@ryanrambo808]

loving this season of untucked

[@jacubtscorpio5084]

But Matt your so cute tho.. add me on insta?

[@ryanrambo808]

Josh Mendes sure follow me @ramborivera :)

[@johnarr9191]

I hope they're enjoying their absolut cocktails

[@sebastiancano7058]

@@jacubtscorpio5084 ouu baby get that D

[@jeandoom6513]

Imagine Crystal arguing with Mystique and Morgan

[@crlewis]

AND NEXT TIME SHE SHOULD DROP THE OUTFIT OFF TO THE CLEANERS BEFORE SHE WEARS IT ON STAGE!

[@DylanRomanov]

I love that part haha

[@kaleahcollins4567]

REST IN PEACE CRYSTAL FOUNDER AND FIRST MOTHER OF HOUSE OF LABEIJA REST IN POWER PEPPER LABEIJA legendary mother of the house of LABEIJA

[@slydoll7877]

"She said Crystal darling dewnt gew!"

[@tayanyc2]

oh soooo that part!

[@phoenixolivier4504]

that part always make me laugh

[@pablobotello4673]

I wonder who that Monique was

[@MrArchandroid]

I was scrolling to see if anyone had a dramatic spelling 🤣 I LIVE!!!!

[@jimboswamps5602]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@walpurgisnight7]

Crystal, dahling, DEOWNT GEOW!

[@dariolopez2882]

I live for the way she says that phrase!

[@MamaRii73]

Loved IT!

[@riv3rss]

“I will sue the fool”

[@javierlopeztapia5588]

RubyRoseRivers SUE ME FOOL!!

[@tknieff72]

Crystal is a gay revolutionist. I have so much respect for my elder gays who paved the way for me and my people today. We still have a long way to go but i will keep fighting in the spirit of my elder gays

[@tula1433]

Absolutely! Don’t let gender criticals try to separate trans and gender non conforming homosexuals from the gay movement. We’re all in this together! The LGB alliance is trying to act as if some trans people are not born homosexuals to cause in fighting and destroy us all! Love that u said gay revolutionist! Femme queens are homosexuals! ❤

[@stylecollective-qt9um]

The bouffant, the eveningwear...this NEVER gets old 😂😂😂...and notice that in the true art of "reading", not once does a lady use foul, vulgar language; it should be just as shiny and just as cutting as one's jewels 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼

[@roriestill6231]

YES!

[@hisserenehighness5930]

What about "Taking it the wrong way SHIT! SHE LOOKED BAD!" 🤣

[@tula1433]

I miss this drag. It was about GLAMOUR and camp and fun. Now it’s a bunch of thirsty gays trying to desperately look sexy and seductive and the fun is gone. They want to give female stripper now and that takes the fun out of it. They are drag queens, not strippers!

[@John-pm7zr]

Aja introduced me to this Queen. She was on POINT darling!

[@John-pm7zr]

Sam Rummer yes! I thought she was gonna one to top the night cuz of her performance. Looks, attitude, catchphrases, and character were all on point!

[@joshuadominic2116]

John snatch game is and was always rigged. Aja should’ve been top 2

[@John-pm7zr]

Joshua Dominic agree, she shouldve been top 2. A lot of the new seasons have been rigged af. I can see Aja playing Crystal and How Silky playing Ts Madison. They do have the “ silhouette “ of who theyre playing.

[@John-pm7zr]

Sam Rummer like how can you make Stevie Nicks funny?! Well thats how it is, they lay out who’s gonna get eliminated or at least who will be the bottom 2 per episode. Remember when they put Katya as Princess Diana?! 😑

[@hyperfall]

Oh boy... please watch Paris is Burning

[@DisJawnBeOut]

She walked out on injustice and changed the culture forever. Thank youuuuuu and everyone else who crusaded into the future.

[@AnnaPxx]

@1:42 "I have a right to show my colour darling, and I'm beautiful, I know I'm beautiful!" The fierceness!

[@StudentGee]

thanks for time stamping ! i have short attention span

[@AgingbtrthanspoiledMilk24]

Please show the clips in their entirety so people will understand why she's upset, in no way shape or form was she being a sore loser she was speaking up and protecting not only herself but the other black Queens that were done wrong. I hate minute clips that can be misconstrued or misinterpreted.

[@NeverSkurred]

Watch the documentary film "The Queen" where this clip comes from.

[@XerkDaniels]

It was absolutely both. There was/is racism in the pageant industry but that doesn't cancel out Harlow looked more fish. The category was female impersonation.

[@xhappyponyxwasmyoldname1395]

I just watched The Queen, and in all honesty, while this scene certainly did exude power, per se, Crystal absolutely read as a very salty, very sore loser. Reading these comments gives me a different perspective on the situation, but idk, he was still very harsh towards people even right after saying it wasn’t those very people’s faults. It’s an interesting moral dilemma to dive into- does possibly being wronged justify such a response? Where’s the line? Is there even a line?

[@LegionIvory]

@@XerkDaniels The point was it didn't matter how Harlow looked, she was going to win. LaBeija held out hope, but once she found out it was rigged, she was done. There's a scene from the documentary where LaBeija is on stage right before the judges are announcing winners, and already she looks like she's about to cry. After a while, she just walked off stage.

[@KaibutsuHime]

@@LegionIvory I honestly don't know how I would act if I learned that despite all my best efforts, the true winner was decided in advance and it wasn't only because of influence, money or connections, but also because of the color of the skin. I would be FURIOUS. Edit: In life you can gain influence, you can work hard for money and make connections, it's a slim chance sometimes and it's easier when you start with it, but skin color ? This is simply inexcusable.

[@dr.tanyadove822]

“ Not Crystal darling anybody but her!” I love it!!!

[@phoenixolivier4504]

I fucking love his voice always make me laugh

[@darkskinss]

That is my favorite line. Work, Crystal.

[@Elecktra.g]

Poor harrlow didn't know what she was getting herself into that day 😂

[@faithruckdeschel1294]

I know that's right, ol girl's standing there(mouth probably all dry)probably hoping she could turn invisible. She literally looks like a gazelle too scared to move, and Crystal's strutting back and forth like a tiger just waiting for it's prey to make one wrong move!!! Ugh....I adore her!!!! ❤ 🌈

[@j.riffney7939]

She knew she was bought, in fact she looks dry mouth and guilty, like she couldn't say nothing, momma CRYSTAL told no lies. That's what I see. All hail, House of Labeija.

[@lonelysith66]

She should’ve just stayed at house, bless that poor child. 🤣🤣🤣

[@aliir0n]

I can't spot Harlow, where is she?

[@hhc4682]

@@aliir0n watch Queen doc on hyperbolic netflic

[@etienne8792]

''I have a right to show my color'' That Line ... the power ! STILL relevant to this day about POC in LGBTQ community !

[@waltymcnalty]

The prejeduce of the time be damned. Mother did not care. She let it all out and let them have it. And that is why she is a legend today. This moment right here. Long live the queen.

[@rayarena879]

Among other firsts, LaBeija has the distinction of showing the world a "read." This is the first "read" that to my knowledge was ever filmed and/or documented.

[@amberdaniels25]

I love that she didn't need to curse profusely to express herself. The class of it all

[@tmmaston]

To be fair she did say shit and bitch

[@edro51188]

And those are the best types of reads

[@millers3888]

Lol Crystal got ‘em at 1:17 when she brought up Monique. “Monique is a friend of ours!” “Monique was NOT here as a friend of yours, she’s a friend of mine DAHLING!” The original mother of House of LaBeja!

[@mh20162]

It's sad how foundation shades for black people were never available back then

[@bibletwink666]

@@ShimmySchimeon Where's your source?

[@bibletwink666]

@@ShimmySchimeon obviously this wasn't during 2019, it was during 1967/1968, the articles and comments don't refer to her as Hispanic but as black, and black queens were expected to lighten up their appearance to compete, so maybe she was wearing a lighter shade.

[@bibletwink666]

@@ShimmySchimeon well when you don't have a shade you go with the darkest shade possible in the white people foundation range. And you're the one claiming that she was Hispanic even though sorces say that she was black.

[@TheDeal007]

@@ShimmySchimeon Crystal, the mother of the House of LaBeija, is black.

[@bibletwink666]

@@ShimmySchimeon but it's totally logical that you claim she's Hispanic despite multiple sources saying otherwise.

[@cammik2229]

I think this is the part everyone is waiting for lol quality is top notch, thanks for posting! I will say though that the 4k restoration quality also shows just how light the black queen's had to paint themselves back then just to compete, quite sad really.

[@nagiibvanovermeerenadan]

Not necessarily painting themselves white. They was no makeup specific to darker skin tones. They probably had to use makeup for lighter skin tones. If you look into the history of makeup and where it is at now, there are more brands specially for darker skin only since maybe the late 80s and early 90s on the market. I think not she cared to be anything she is not!

[@cammik2229]

@@nagiibvanovermeerenadan When the PIB cast was on the Joan Rivers Show (which is on KZbin) Pepper Labeija mentions that Crystal painted herself white in order to compete against the white queens. Dorian also touched on how racist and segregated the ball culture was back then. Also if you watch The Queen there were several black queen's whose mugs matched their skin tones. It was unfortunately a sign of the times, which is another reason why this film is such an important timepiece in the LGBT history.

[@theartofmev9026]

This is the best comment! The quality of this clip is the best I’ve seen ever. You can really see how beautiful Krystal was. I’m here for this

[@danafisher8613]

What is said is that being Black in any community if filled with racial bias and micro aggressions to this day. And having a true option of deeper colors didn’t come about until the late 90’s and early 2000’s and even then was lacking until Rihanna pushed everyone to really step the efforts up and that was in the last couple of years. I say all this to point out that racist systems exist through out society. Be you straight or otherwise, being Black in America you face the hate no matter what community you align yourself with. Please don’t think that racism in LGBT community disappeared after the 60’s, honey it’s alive an well present day.

[@jimbecarroll5780]

@@nagiibvanovermeerenadan Well Naomi Simms and IMAN were and are major change makers in the make-up for Black skin. A make-up artist who doesn't have a foundation darker than a slightly toasted slice of Wonder bread is not a Real make-up artist

[@MrYonexguy63]

" to put it in the bank HA " slays me

[@tgritty98]

“Crystal, darling don’t go” i liveeeeeeeeee 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@dasiawillis]

every time she says “dAWling” I get CHILLS

[@LaGruesa76]

....and at that very moment...a movement was born. Thank you Queen Crystal for being the Muva of all Muvas of the Ball Scene. May your influence continue to be celebrated and honored.

[@classifiedinformation3576]

So is this the real life inspiration for Electra's character from Pose?

[@thelessimportantajmichel287]

Classified Information Electra is more like a composite of different mothers. But a lot of mothers did speak this way back in the day.

[@matthewharjo7512]

Elektra is a bit of Crystal, pepper, and ru.

[@chimcham6762]

Matthew Harjo Definitely not Ru cause he wasn’t really in the ballroom scene like that, he was more of a club kid.

[@aidenvega9416]

Chim Cham actually Michelle and Ru met at a ball because they were both in and out the scene.

[@galaxyforever70367]

Aiden Vega if we see any famous drag queen, it might be ru in season 3 since 1992 is when supermodel came out. I’d say we might see Divine

[@valentinomiller6251]

"You're showing your colour"? What a disgusting saying.

[@jessicafashionlover2148]

Valentino Miller darling there's rascistism even in gay community I'm blk and I hardly see any white gays where the Latin n blk gays

[@thedarthflagger]

They meant to say that she's showing her true self by being nasty. The comment had nothing to do with the color of her skin but of her true nature. She took it the wrong way in the racially charged era of the late sixties. And so are all the people that flock to that comment.

[@SidPhillipsOfAlcoLab]

@@thedarthflagger you're really going up and down the comment section defending that bullshit shut your bitch ass up!!

[@valentinomiller6251]

@@bastioncory6740 In case you didn't mean me, read my response comment. If, in fact, you mean me, read my response comment, then fuck off.

[@bastioncory6740]

@@valentinomiller6251 there is only one comment from you kid. It's not a race thing

[@AnkhFknBby]

“I am beautiful and I KNOW I’m beautiful!” I felt that deep in my soul

[@KristenWood317]

And this moment is what brought about the huge revolution known as the Harlem Ballroom Scene. She formed House of LaBeija, took in her "children", and inspired her community for generations to come. Her house is still in tact. And what of Harlow and Sabrina? Well...we don't see their legacy continuing, now do we?

[@Ariesguy41499]

Which is kind of sad cause Sabrina is a real trailblazer when it comes to taking drag shows national and how her shows were integrated years before the likes of miss America. She was employing hundreds of Queens across the US and was most likely the largest employer of queer people in the country. Crystal had every right to be mad at the systemic racism and she should be honored but don’t bring down Sabrina and discredit her legacy while your doing so😒🙄

[@erikstone2321]

Well Harlow transitioned in 1972 and left the gay scene in the late 70’s. She’s actually a trailblazer for trans women! She married a man and opened up a few restaurants and a nightclub.

[@erikstone2321]

@Nice Spice Systematic racism? Definitely not! Out of the top 5 queens, 3 were non-White and the second place winner was darker than Crystal! If they were racist, they were doing racism wrong! 🤣 They also had black people working at the competition. If they were racist, they wouldn’t have even let them compete!

[@ertfgghhhh]

#1Showing ur color means ur acting black which is a slight to black people #2showing ur true colors mean ur showing who u really are The person said #1

[@ShimmySchimeon]

True or just color, it doesn't matter.

[@bibletwink666]

@@ShimmySchimeon ... Sure thing Jan.

[@AikoFox]

@@bibletwink666 I almost spit out my water laughing!!!😂

[@valentinomiller6251]

Thank you

[@valentinomiller6251]

@@ShimmySchimeon Karen, you are all over this comment section, failing. Why don't you allow yourself to be taught something. Us Blacks and many non Blacks are schooling you, yet you refuse to accept the lesson. Go ahead and say it to the wrong (or right) Black person to find out whether it matters. IT DOES MATTER. Why are you fighting this so hard? If you say this, please stop saying it, because the right person is going to take you to a place that you may not want to go.

[@aerokayo6137]

The quality of this footage is amazing for ‘68

[@whatyalldoing7012]

Yes it is

[@erinjohnson1124]

A group at UT Austin restored it from the original negative to 4K from what I understand. It looks fantastic.

[@ivandominguez6287]

Ajá screaming at Valentina like :

[@Mister_Dollz]

This moment is what cemented Crystal Labeija as a drag icon and legend. I hope that her legacy will continue on throughout the ages, because she needs to be remembered and not forgotten to history.

[@oliviablackburn1113]

I love when she said “ I am beautiful and I know I am beautiful!” Yes you truly are. I hope one day I can say that with just as much confidence 😍❤️

[@travisjames3517]

They weren’t f@cking around, were they??? I’m a grown man and I certainly wouldn’t wanna go up against them!!!!!!!!

[@jessicafashionlover2148]

Travis James darlin

[@ilznidiotic]

TBF, they're grown men, too.

[@travisjames3517]

Ilznidiotic No, they’re not. They want to be viewed as women and that’s how I am viewing them.

[@salmonsays1466]

@@travisjames3517 do you not know the difference between drag queens and trans people? Sure some drag queens are trans at the same time, but most are cis men partaking in the art of drag. It's a performance art. You wouldn't call the clown in the circus trans clown would you?

[@aestheticgarbage6671]

Travis James they're drag queens not trans women, unless i'm mistaken. so while in drag their persona may be female, but they are still very much grown men in wigs lmao. it's very different from a trans woman because it's not a persona, they have the neurological structure of a woman. these lot are still men.

[@YI-he3cq]

I watch this at least once a day to remind myself that I need to stand up for myself because IM BEAUTIFUL AND I KNOW IM BEAUTIFUL

[@polyprinz]

She’s had enough, the black girls were told to lighten their skin to compete. The judges were all white, and the winners we always all white. So give a sistah some credit for standing up and saying, “f**k this sh*t, I’m black and beautiful”!!!!

[@californiagold3857]

53 years ago, and it still cracks me up. I love Crystal LaBeija. May she Rest in peace.

[@aaronmichael9788]

"Don't tell her bout no showing her color!" Yaaass friend!!!

[@Thecharmedonee]

The mother of Ballroom/Drag culture This is history kids

[@davegoes]

She was right though. Harlow's look wasn't polished. The back of her head was a mess!

[@babyrodrigues1943]

Lmaooo @ "back of her head was a mess!" Soo true!! Sis look chopped!!!!

[@DylanRomanov]

Can someone timestamp when she’s in this video

[@pinkcashmeres]

LMFAOOOOO. Eat her up!

[@krd2331]

Her dress didn’t fit her either. She looked like a little girl drowning in her mother’s clothes.

[@erinjohnson1124]

Right. That wig wasn’t even brushed and styled right LOL.

[@HorrorGeek9]

A true icon who called out the prejudice and racism in the pageant scene 💙 🙌🏾

[@Kabeyavictoria]

This is a piece of history

[@whatyalldoing7012]

She read the dhit out if her ass she looked bad

[@MrMarkie_B]

Brave queens of the 60s

[@aud7593]

apparently she attended a rerun if The Queen in the 90s, said hello to Harlow and kissed her on the cheek. Harlow described her as "she was really, really lovely to me". imo really shows how she was angry at the racist rigging of the contests, not at Harlow herself necessarily.

[@keonmitchell139]

"All the true beauties didnt come " the shade honey the shade

[@Psergiorivera]

When she walked off the stage, I WAS DYING!!!!!!!

[@jojoradford3203]

Epic legendary read of all reads Dahlings! More shade before Dynasty, All My Children, and all combined!!

[@Dr.FinbarrCalamitous]

"And where's Ms. Sabrina at?" Watched that part about four times🤣😂

[@chantoya17]

"Cuz I'll sue the bitch!" 😂

[@marzblaq7267]

@@chantoya17 “No didn’t sign ANY release, and if she releases ANY picture on me, *I WILL SUE THE FOOL!!!* “

[@knucklehoagies]

damn 1968.... little did these people know their subculture would blow up into something huge and seen as no big deal.

[@59jlopez70]

Even to this day in 2022 her voice is still being heard

[@13pewpew13]

“Crystal hunny, DAWNT GYAW!”

[@tula1433]

Underrated moment in this and my favorite part is “but not crystal darling” and then you hear the echos of someone saying “Crystal Labeijjjjjjaaaa” in the back 🤣🤣🤣 00:55

[@adrivoid5376]

Its interesting seeing well, first, how well Dominque (plays Elecktra on Pose) acted with that enunciation, really smart. Then just how much drag lingo, reading, and just the culture itself has continued into the 21st century.

[@oliverv291]

She was not playing in 1967 ...I was only 2 years old ..who would have thought while i was nestled in my crib as infant back in 67 this shadefest was going on and 20 years later in 1987 at the age of 22 ..I would meet alot of these people !

[@raynarayskye]

"She looked BAD!"

[@djom-amari3559]

Wow this new 4K version is superb. I have seen the film years ago on youtube and to see this 4k clip is amazing. Looking forward to see where the 4k full version is.

[@tiffanyvegas9669]

She was really the most beautiful one. I can see a lot of beatiful drag queens nowadays, but miss Labeija invented beauty.

[@ArielisisRuiz77]

I believe she may have been trans not just a drag queen! If you see other clips you can see breasts! Not in this clip but I’ve seen clips that show breasts.

[@patronmargarita2849]

“Taking the wrong way SHIT, SHE LOOKED BAD” 😭😭😭 omfg

[@drstranger7430]

These girls were braver than the marines for being their fabulous selves in the 60's!! ❤

[@Mikinaak2023]

RIP you beautiful Queen. Your legacy will always be unparalleled in community service and paving the way.

[@ahmedfaraaz1]

Wow this is so iconic

[@fearoffrying]

"She better get the hell back to Philadelphia" 😂😂😂 oh so the beast coast has always been that way

[@Colineo]

I could watch her do this for hours.

[@workittworkit]

“You’re showing your color” Translation: “As a black woman you have no right to voice your opinion of unfair treatment towards people like yourself. You are to sit back, be silent and just be grateful for even being allowed the opportunity.”

[@a.k.alizzygrant3358]

girl this was filmed 52 years ago

[@vulbvibe]

1:20 Crystal’s happy gasp that her friend Monique is here ☺️

[@darkskinss]

Mind you, her good sis, Monique is a white lady. It's sad that the Black queens were not truly accepted in the 60s pageant scene.

[@radicafantasy6887]

you didn't include the best part when she gently talks to Harlow while still reading her, epic!

[@AtomicZero]

This is the best quality uploaded. You should upload the rest of the read. She wasn't looking beautiful tonight!

[@erinsebestyen8152]

I actually get sad hearing her voice crack, she's in genuine emotional pain - not acting.. but still so beautiful....these women are the pillars of EVERY thing you see today coming out of Drag Race and I'm blessed to be from NY and learn so much about my "ancestors" lol. I'm a biological woman but I feel so connected to them.

[@erinsebestyen8152]

please what???? can I help you

[@tula1433]

Thank you for this comment. Love to see the support. Not everyone can do what these girls do, or walk even a DAY in their shoes so thank you!

[@bingbong2697]

So ahead of their time my gwad

[@loo6357]

crystal was the first queen ru ever saw just remember that

[@hyperboi87]

This was so amazing, I would have never thought the gays was just as fierce in the 60 as they are today

[@davidshelton7104]

0:42 "DID YOU SIGN THE RELEASE?" HAD ME ROLLIN' ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@riv3rss]

Have you actually realize that this clip is over 50 years old? I mean, it is so iconic and timeless, Crystal you were beautiful dawlin’

[@themidnightbat]

I just love the way she talks “To put it in the bank HAHAHA!” “I will sue the bitch!” “But not Crystal, darling. Anybody but her!” “And that’s why all the true beauties didn’t come!” “I have a right to show my color darling! I am beautiful and I know I’m beautiful!”

[@xochitlbk]

Ugh we need you more than ever in these times mama Crystal ❤️🌹

[@lexilootoyou9091]

Next time drop your dress off at the cleaners and have it pressed before you go on stage. 😂

[@theartofmev9026]

This is the best damn quality I’ve seen of this video! I need to full movie in this quality PLEASE! Look at how fab Krystal was!

[@TititoDeBologay]

This is a reminder of why Ballroom culture was built. Always a healthy refresher.

[@adamthevirgo9297]

Girl if you’re not watching Untucked, you’re only getting half the story

[@talkindurinthemovie]

Next timeeee she should drop her outfit off at the cleanerssss before goes on stage

[@AhLizay]

Arguably the beginning of the art of the reading “darling”. One of my favourite scenes from the whole movie.

[@kiara198923]

I love how fierce she is!

[@valkyrie6365]

She’s so beautiful and cutting, ugh iconic