"In ballroom, we do not just survive—we reign."
Few embody this truth more fully than Queen Mother Vivian LaBeija, who has officially been deemed Legendary for Ballroom Leadership and House Legacy. This crowning is more than a personal honor—it is a triumph of resilience, trans brilliance, and cultural stewardship.

Vivian began her ballroom journey in Philadelphia in 1995, walking Femme Queen Face and Labels with elegance, edge, and a presence that refused to be ignored. Over the years, she didn’t just walk—she made moments that are etched in the DNA of ballroom history:

🌟 2002 Milan Ball (Atlanta) – A commanding appearance in BQID Face that solidified her as a standout figure.
🌟 2002 Blahnik Ball (Philadelphia) – A fierce final battle in BQID Face, still talked about today.
🌟 The Road to Candyland Ball – A stunning performance in Femme Queen Face, later viewed thousands of times on YouTube, becoming viral nostalgia.
🌟 2020 Alpha & Omega Ball – Her grand debut as Overall Mother LaBeija, symbolizing the rebirth of a legendary house under her guidance.
🌟 2022 Tribeca Film Festival – Featured in the House of LaBeija short film, she helped bring ballroom to a global, mainstream platform.

🌟In 2023, Vivian added to her decorated history with a Grand Prize win in High Fashion Streetwear at the Ultravating Destruction Ball—a reminder that her impact isn’t just historical, it’s ongoing.

But Vivian’s legacy extends far beyond trophies and titles. In 2019, she became the first femme queen since Pepper LaBeija to be named Overall Mother of the Royal House of LaBeija—appointed by Pioneer Junior LaBeija during a critical time of transition. She was later acknowledged as Queen Mother, and from that moment forward, she became the heartbeat of the House.

Through unwavering leadership, Vivian rebuilt the foundation of LaBeija: stabilizing its structure, mentoring a new generation of members, and expanding the House’s international footprint. Her presence in campaigns like Sephora’s "We Belong to Something Beautiful" and appearances in fashion and film have made her a powerful ambassador for ballroom, especially for Black trans women, whose leadership has too often gone unrecognized.

On this day in May 2025, in New York City, the birthplace of ballroom, we honor her with the title LEGENDARY.

This recognition was presented by
Pioneer Junior LaBeija, Icon Chris LaBeija, Icon Alex Gaultier LaBeija, and Icon Peter LaBeija.

Vivian LaBeija, your legacy is not only honored—it's unstoppable.
You restored a crown, rebuilt a house, and reshaped history.
We see you. We thank you. We rise with you. 👑

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