It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carmen Xtravaganza, an NYC ballroom icon and beloved figure featured in the 1990 documentary “Paris is Burning.” Carmen, age 62, will forever be remembered for her influential role in the House of Xtravaganza, where she served as a prominent house mother.
The House of Xtravaganza, rooted in New York’s vibrant underground ballroom scene, honored Carmen’s life and legacy through an official statement on Instagram. They expressed, “Throughout the 1980s, Carmen reigned on the runways as one of the House of Xtravaganza’s ‘impossible beauties.’ Her remarkable presence and undeniable talent left an indelible mark on the House Ballroom scene.”
While details surrounding Carmen’s cause of death were not disclosed, a GoFundMe page from 2022 mentioned her courageous battle against Stage 4 lung cancer.
Born in Andalusia, Spain, on April 9, 1961, Carmen embarked on a transformative journey, coming to the United States at the age of 16 and undergoing sex reassignment surgery at 18.
Carmen’s influence on ballroom culture soared when she graced the cover of the Village Voice in 1988, with an article titled “Venus Envy: The Drag Balls of Harlem.” Two years later, she and her house sister, Brooke Xtravaganza, shared their transition experiences in the iconic documentary “Paris is Burning.”
In recognition of her significant contributions, Carmen was rightfully inducted into the Ballroom Hall of Fame in 1999.
Concluding their heartfelt Instagram statement, the House of Xtravaganza conveyed their deep sorrow while highlighting Carmen’s immortal words, “‘…that voice is still there.'” These words now carry an even deeper significance, serving as a poignant reminder that Carmen’s spirit and legacy will endure through the love and cherished memories she left behind.
You can stream the documentary “Paris is Burning” on Max.
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