Pepper LaBeija

About

Pepper LaBeija (November 5, 1948 – May 14, 2003) was an American drag queen and fashion designer. She was known as “the last remaining queen of the Harlem drag balls”.

Born in the Bronx in 1948, Pepper LaBeija first arrived on New York city’s gay ballroom scene in the late-1960s and eventually became head of the House of LaBeija in 1981.
While not identifying as a woman, LaBeija had breast implants and preferred the feminine pronoun she. LaBeija remained the head of the house (known as “the Mother”) until her death in 2003. As the head of the House, LaBeija spoke openly about the importance of providing support and guidance to young gay men arriving on the scene after being alienated from their families.
LaBeija was known for Egyptian-inspired runway performances and won approximately 250 ballroom trophies over the course of her career. Outside of performing, Labeija earned a living producing drag balls and teaching modeling.

LaBeija and her companion Pamela Jackson had a daughter together, and LaBeija devoted much of her time to her family, raising her daughter and stepson. In 1992, Pamela Jackson died. As LaBeija’s health declined…