Activism and advocacy are essential for the advancement of the transgender community and LGBTQ culture. Throughout history, activism and advocacy have played a crucial role in pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
Originating in Harlem in the 1960s, ballroom culture was created by Black and Latinx trans women and gay men. Categories like "Realness" (passing as cisgender in everyday life) and "Voguing" became global phenomena. This culture introduced LGBTQ+ slang like "shade," "reading," and "slay" into common vernacular.