Octavia St Laurent was a legendary figure in the New York City ballroom scene, a subculture of mostly Black and Latino LGBTQ+ people who competed in extravagant fashion shows and dance contests. She rose to fame after appearing in the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning, which showcased the struggles and joys of the ballroom community in the late 1980s. She was also an AIDS educator and activist, who used her platform to raise awareness and fight stigma. She died of cancer in 2009, at the age of 45.
Early Life and Career
Octavia St Laurent was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 16, 1964. She was assigned male at birth, but identified as a trans woman from an early age. She said that her parents were supportive of her gender expression, and that she faced more discrimination from the police and society. She was arrested several times for wearing gender-nonconforming clothing in public.
She began walking in the ballroom scene in 1982, and quickly became a star in the category of “Face”, which judged the contestants on their beauty and elegance. She was known for her flawless complexion, striking features, and glamorous style. She often walked to the song “Swept Away” by Diana Ross, one of her idols.
She was a central figure in the documentary Paris Is Burning, directed by Jennie Livingston, which followed the lives of several ballroom participants. The film captured Octavia’s dreams of becoming a model and a famous actress, as well as her struggles with poverty, violence, and HIV/AIDS. The film also introduced the wider world to the ballroom culture, including its unique slang, dance moves, and categories.
AIDS Activism and Education
Octavia St Laurent was diagnosed as HIV positive in the late 1980s, and became an outspoken advocate for AIDS prevention and education. She worked with several organizations, such as Gay Men’s Health Crisis and Housing Works, to provide support and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. She also spoke at schools, colleges, and community centers, sharing her personal story and raising awareness about the disease.
She said that she wanted to use her fame and influence to make a difference in the world. She said: “I want to be remembered as someone who cared about people. Someone who tried to help people with this disease that is killing us.”
She also starred in another documentary, How Do I Look, directed by Wolfgang Busch, which was released in 2006. The film focused on the artistic and creative aspects of the ballroom scene, as well as its social and political relevance. Octavia used the name Heavenly Angel Octavia St Laurent Manolo Blahnik in the film, reflecting her affiliation with different ballroom houses and fashion brands.
Death and Legacy
In 2008, Octavia St Laurent was diagnosed with cancer. She moved in with her sister while receiving treatment, and started a one-person show at Spirits gay bar in Syracuse, New York. She gave her final interview by phone in March 2009.
She died on May 17, 2009, in Syracuse, New York. She is buried in a cemetery in Queens, New York.
Octavia St Laurent is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic figures in the ballroom scene. She inspired generations of LGBTQ+ people with her beauty, grace, courage, and charisma. She is also remembered for her contributions to AIDS activism and education, as well as her role in bringing visibility and recognition to the ballroom culture.
She said: “I am somebody. I just want to be a rich somebody.” She may not have achieved material wealth, but she left behind a rich legacy of love, art, and activism.
