The African American Museum in Philadelphia offers a rare look at the house ball scene and culture, as seen through the lens of photographer Gerard Gaskin. (Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
House balls have played a significant role in the African American and Latino LGBTQ communities for decades. Now, the often-underground house ball culture takes the spotlight at the The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) this summer just in time to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the LGBT Civil Rights Movement in Philadelphia this July.
On view now through August 16, Legendary: Inside the House Ballroom Scene displays the work of photographer Gerard H. Gaskin, who has photographed the intimate world of house balls for more than 20 years.
Showcasing photographs from parties in five cities — with a particular focus on Philadelphia — the collection draws mostly from Gaskin’s book Legendary to immerse the viewer in the expressive grandeur of the balls.
Significant in allowing a marginalized group creativity and freedom of self expression, the house ball scene has a long tradition of challenging norms and Gaskin’s work captures a unique perspective.
A well-known photographer, Gaskin has shown throughout the United States and abroad, and his work is also a part of permanent collections in The Museum of the City of New York, The Philadelphia Museum of Art among others.
Throughout the exhibition at the AAMP — the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve and exhibit the heritage of African Americans — will offer complementary programming including screenings of The New Black, a documentary exploring attitudes about same-sex marriage and civil rights within the African American community.
For much more on Philadelphia’s celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement including other exhibitions like Speaking Out For Equality at the National Constitution Center check here.
No fewer than eight ongoing exhibitions in Philadelphia mark the anniversary, and in July, an entire weekend of events surrounding the anniversary of the Annual Reminder will take place.
Stay tuned for more on this summer's commemorations of LGBTQ civil rights in Philadelphia.
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