Released in 1990, Jeannie Livingston’s Paris Is Burning chronicled the ballroom culture of New York City, through interviews with key figures and stars of the scene. Among these included several members of the House of Xtravaganza – from Angie to Venus.
Tragically, Venus was murdered during its making. The case was never solved.
Twenty-two years later, director Kimberly Reed shines a light on the profound impact this had in I’m Your Venus, which diligently follows both Venus’ biological and ballroom family in their continued pursuit of justice and re-opening the cold-case.
Joe, John and Louie Pellagatti are Venus’ biological brothers. Through Reed’s documentary, they express their regret and limitations in understanding Venus’ evolving gender identity while she was alive. Over two years of filming, the brothers reconnect earnestly with her chosen family to learn from and honour her extraordinary legacy in the NYC ballroom scene she helped to fashion, and across the wider LGBTQ+ community as an enduring transgender icon.
