Watch How Do I Look

How Do I Look? is a documentary-style film exploring the ballroom scene and the importance of fashion, style, and self-expression within the LGBTQ+ community. The film, directed by Wolfgang Busch, premiered in 2006 and features interviews with notable figures in the ballroom community, including Tracy Africa, Kevin Aviance, and Jaimee Balenciaga.

The documentary opens with a brief history of the ballroom scene, which originated in New York City in the 1920s as a way for Black and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves and compete in a variety of categories, from runway walking to voguing (a dance style that involves posing and modeling). From there, How Do I Look? delves into the lives of several individuals who have found community and creativity within the ballroom scene.

One of the most prominent figures featured in How Do I Look? is Tracy Africa, a legendary voguer who has been a member of the scene for over thirty years. Tracy discusses the challenges of being a transgender woman of color and the importance of finding a space where she can express herself authentically. We see footage of Tracy and other members of the House of Africa competing in various categories, as well as rehearsing and mentoring younger members.

Kevin Aviance, a well-known drag performer, also shares his experiences of being a part of the ballroom scene. Kevin talks about the ways in which his performances have evolved over the years and the importance of constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with gender expression. He also discusses the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the community and the ways in which ballroom events have been a site of both celebration and mourning.

Jaimee Balenciaga, a transgender woman who serves as the "mother" of her house, shares her own journey of coming into her identity and finding family within the ballroom scene. She talks about the importance of having a support system and discusses the complex relationships between houses, which sometimes involve conflict and competition but ultimately prioritize love and respect.

Throughout the documentary, we see the incredible creativity and skill that goes into ballroom performances and runway walks. Members of various houses prepare for competitions, carefully selecting their outfits and practicing their moves, while the judges evaluate each performance according to strict criteria, such as the quality of the runway walk and the authenticity of the voguing. We also see how fashion plays a crucial role in the ballroom scene, with participants designing and constructing elaborately themed outfits that reflect their personalities and aspirations.

How Do I Look? is not only a celebration of the ballroom scene and its rich history and culture, but also a call for greater visibility and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender people of color. The documentary highlights the challenges that many members of the community face, from discrimination and violence to poverty and lack of access to healthcare. It also highlights the resilience and creativity of these individuals, who have built their own communities and found ways to express their identities and aspirations in a world that too often rejects them.

Overall, How Do I Look? is an engaging and insightful documentary that offers a unique glimpse into a vibrant subculture and the people who have made it their home. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-expression, community, and fashion in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

How Do I Look is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.