Dorian Corey, born Frederick Legg in 1937, was an iconic figure in the New York City drag scene. She was not only a drag performer but also a fashion designer, activist, and mother figure to many in the LGBTQ+ community. Corey gained widespread recognition for her appearance in the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which showcased the ballroom culture of Harlem in the 1980s. Throughout her life, Corey shared her wisdom and wit through memorable quotes that continue to inspire and resonate with people today.
In this article, we have compiled a collection of Dorian Corey quotes that capture her unique perspective on life, self-expression, and authenticity. Whether you are a fan of the ballroom culture or simply seeking inspiration, these quotes are sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, let’s take a moment to dive into the world of Dorian Corey and explore her powerful words:
Read these Dorian Corey quotes
“I always had hopes of being a big star. But as you get older, you aim a little lower. Everybody wants to make an impression, some mark upon the world. Then you think, you’ve made a mark on the world if you just get through it, and a few people remember your name. Then you’ve left a mark. You don’t have to bend the whole world. I think it’s better to just enjoy it. Pay your dues and enjoy it.”
“I’d like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted other people to be also free.”
“I always had dreams of being a star. I never thought of being a star as someone famous; it was just something that I wanted to be. I wanted to be that little piece of star up in the sky.”
“The only thing that could make life better would be to live it on a higher level.”
“You can be as great as you want to be, just as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the dedication.”
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”
“It’s not where you come from; it’s where you’re going that counts.”
“You can always tell a real friend: when you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.”
“I do know that you can’t just sit around waiting for hope to arrive. You’ve got to give hope something to work with. You’ve got to give it legs.”
“You always have to remember that you’re a star, no matter where you are.”
“I always thought I was a star. That’s the way I was treated. I never had any doubts.”
“If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it’s OK. But you’ve got to shoot for something. A lot of people don’t even shoot.”
“I used to be very self-conscious. I used to wish I was pretty. I had a very low self-esteem. But I’ve got over that.”
“You can’t climb to the top without taking some people down with you.”
“I’d like to be remembered as someone who was able to make a difference in the world. Someone who stood up for what they believed in and inspired others to do the same.”
“The only limitations you have are the ones you place on yourself. Don’t let anyone else define your worth or what you’re capable of achieving.”
“The greatest beauty comes from within. It’s not about what you look like on the outside, but how you carry yourself and treat others.”
“Life is too short to waste time trying to please others. Be true to yourself and live your life authentically.”
“Success is not measured by how much money you have or how famous you become. It’s about finding happiness and fulfillment in whatever you do.”
“Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine. The world needs more individuals who are unapologetically themselves.”
These Dorian Corey quotes serve as a reminder of the importance of self-expression, authenticity, and staying true to oneself. Corey’s legacy continues to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness and make their mark on the world.
