Ukrainian Drag Performers Star In Documentary ‘Queens Of Joy’

Experiencing joy in wartime might sound like an impossibility, but members of the LGBTQ community in Ukraine are proving it’s not only achievable, but even a form of resistance.

Diva Monroe, a trans woman, and drag performers Marlene and Aura star in Queens of Joy, which just held its world premiere at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival in Greece. They embrace their identities, promote solidarity among all Ukrainians and devote their energies to raising money to support the defenders of their homeland, which has been under vicious full-scale attack from Russia for more than three years now.

“Queens of Joy is a statement about the courage to be yourself, about the search for hope, and about how true beauty is born in freedom,” filmmaker Olga Gibelinda writes in a director’s statement. “This film is for everyone, as each of us fights our own battle—for identity, for love, for the right to have a voice in this world. In the darkest times, what unites us is not just shared pain, but also unwavering dignity, the ability to rejoice, create, and love. It is a story about those who, despite the war, choose life in all its colors.”

As shown in the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Queendom, about the Russian drag performance artist Gena Marvin, Russia became an even more inhospitable place for LGBTQ people after the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In November 2023, for instance, Russia’s supreme court declared the “international LGBTQ movement” to be an extremist organization. This is but one indication of the way in which the war constitutes a clash of civilizations – one that’s repressive and intolerant, and another that’s far more open and inclusive.

Queens of Joy “demonstrates that the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of society and actively supports the country in its most difficult times,” notes producer Ivanna Khitsinska. “In times of war, the only thing that matters is which side you fight on, not how you dress or whom you love. Queens of Joy aims to expand the dialogue about human rights, freedom of expression and tolerance. This project is a message to the world that Ukrainians are fighting not only for their independence, but also for the right to freedom in all its manifestations.”

Adds producer Louis Beaudemont, “Queens of Joy goes against all our preconceived notions. It shows that the war in Ukraine does not bring more paternalism, more hatred, more racism, or more homophobia. On the contrary, the development of Ukrainian identity, freed from the chains of the Russian Empire and in the terrible conditions of the most violent conflict Europe has experienced since the Second World War, embraces an idea that lies at the very foundation of Europe: united in diversity.”

Queens of Joy is a production of Malanka Studios, Les Steppes Productions, and Films & Chips, in collaboration with ARTE and Suspilne Ukraine (the national public broadcaster in Ukraine).

“Queens of Joy also is evidence that Ukraine is a free and tolerant country,” comments Sergiy Nedzelskyy, head of co-production and outsource commissioning at Suspilne Ukraine. “I can’t imagine seeing such a film in the totalitarian states.”

The documentary weaves between the stories of the three protagonists, exploring their individual journeys of self-acceptance and self-expression. Diva Monroe (who draws inspiration from Marilyn Monroe, hence her name) became a prominent TV host, actress, blogger, and influencer in Ukraine, but in some respects found that public persona constraining. “She seeks help from a psychologist and gradually reveals her true self, breaking free from her public image,” the filmmakers note.

Interestingly, Artur Ozerov, aka Aura, is both a military man and, when out of uniform, a drag artist. He comes from what be called a divided family — his uncle left Ukraine for Russia, where he became an officer in the FSB, the successor of the KGB. Arthur and his mother, meanwhile, “chose the values of freedom” and though originally native Russian speakers they immersed themselves in the Ukrainian language as an act of patriotism.

Oleksandr Danilin, aka Marlen Scandal, cultivates a fierce drag persona, propelling them to legendary status in Ukraine’s LGBTQ community. As seen in Queens of Joy, Marlen organizes a major charity event to raise money for Ukrainian soldiers.

The film explores one area of sensitivity for the country’s queer community – the lack of legal recognition for same sex relationships. Ukrainian law doesn’t permit same sex marriages nor codify civil unions. At a Q&A following the world premiere, the filmmaking team noted that Ukraine’s legislature is considering a draft law that would accord legal status to same sex partnerships.

The issue has become particularly pressing in wartime, because partners of LGBTQ soldiers killed in battle currently have no right to spousal benefits – a reality explored in the documentary. Olga Gibelinda, the director, and Ivanna Khitsinska, the producer, expressed some optimism that such legislation might be approved, telling the audience that Ukrainian society as a whole acknowledges the sacrifice of its LGBTQ military personnel who have bravely taken up the defense of their country.

Queens of Joy is among a dozen film projects by Ukrainian filmmakers that have earned support from ARTE since the start of the full-scale war.

“At ARTE GEIE in Strasbourg, we were immediately excited about this upbeat and relevant project,” the company said in a statement. “The Queens combat war and murder with joy – and resist by continuing daily life with dance, love and colorful power. Therefore, they have decided to stay put in their country and continue to fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in wartime.”