Living as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community can be an incredibly tough journey, especially in places where acceptance is scarce. Stigma and discrimination can loom large, affecting every aspect of life from personal connections to career prospects.
In regions where LGBTQIA+ identities are marginalized or condemned, individuals often feel pressured to hide their true selves. The constant fear of rejection or violence can shape their decisions and actions profoundly. Simply being themselves can feel like an act of bravery, given the hostility they face.
This struggle is particularly pronounced in places like Russia under Vladimir Putin’s leadership. Queendom tells the story of Gena Marvin (formerly Gennadiy Chebotarev), a queer drag performer who boldly challenges Putin’s machismo, critiques the Russian government’s stance on Ukraine, and confronts the country’s general homophobia. Despite facing violence and backlash, Gena fearlessly takes to the streets of Moscow in extravagant, surreal attire, often incorporating the colors of the Russian flag as a subversive statement.
In the remote, windswept town of Magadan in the Russian Far East, Gena made a dramatic entrance into the local scene with her bold drag performances. Her defiance of the town’s conservative values won her a dedicated following on TikTok, quickly propelling her into the limelight. Seeking further education, Gena moved to Moscow, but her journey was cut short when she was expelled from college. Returning to Magadan, she faced constant friction with her grandfather, who openly disapproved of her identity, leading to repeated conflicts.
Raised by her grandparents, Gena struggled with the absence of her parents and her strained relationship with her grandfather, who pushed her towards a conventional path, including a stint in the military, clashing with her determination to live authentically.
Reaching her limit, Gena decided to escape to France, hoping for acceptance and the freedom to chase her dreams without fear of judgment. Despite numerous challenges, Gena’s resilience never wavered, and she remained steadfast in her refusal to hide her true self for anyone’s comfort.
Describing her homeland as a prison, we meet a defiant Gena in the cold, isolated town of Magadan. Her unique style and bold performances challenge the oppressive atmosphere around her. Despite the icy reception from locals, she aims to ignite a shift in societal perceptions of beauty. While excelling in her provocative, experimental performances in Moscow, her social media following surged, earning praise from Russian Vogue. However, this acclaim did little to impress her grandparents, especially her grandfather, who made subtle, prejudiced remarks about the importance of education and conformity.
Gena’s drag is a powerful form of intellectual activism, characterized by a serene yet fierce resolve. Her public performances, set to distorted beats, reflect the harsh realities faced by many queer individuals. Whether she is dramatically smashing black tentacle arms into a puddle or hauntingly appearing in a gold tracksuit, Gena’s art poignantly captures the collective struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. This all unfolds against the turbulent backdrop of Russia’s political climate and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Director Galdanova takes a bold approach, focusing on Gena’s story without heavy narration, allowing the voices of ordinary Russians to resonate through Gena’s art. Her striking statement pieces, from a constrictive Russian flag outfit to a barbed-wire walk, powerfully symbolize the oppression she and others face.
Despite the bleak circumstances, Queendom reveals moments of profound queer joy. A sequence where Gena revels in complete freedom at a birthday party, dripping in red and with exaggerated shoulders, exemplifies this. A post-catwalk exchange suggests she can break through the barriers imposed on her. The documentary builds emotional depth through Gena’s interactions with her grandparents, who, despite recognizing her uniqueness, still cling to conservative ideals, misunderstanding and misgendering her.
Queendom is a critical reminder of the power of protest and the importance of safe spaces for self-expression. With Gena as an inspiring figure, the documentary stands out as a vital piece of storytelling, capturing the essence of resilience and the fight for acceptance in a repressive society.
Director: Agniia Galdanova
Featuring: Gena Marvin
Producers: Angiia Galdanova, Igor Myakotin
Composers: Toke Brorson Odin, Damien Vandesande
Editor: Vlad Fishez
Editor: Vlad Fishez
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