Ukrainian Drag Performers Star In Documentary ‘Queens Of Joy’

The experience of joy in wartime may seem impossible, but the members of the LGBTQ community in Ukraine prove that it can not only be achieved, but even a form of resistance.

The singer Monroe, a mutant woman, withdrawing the artists Marilyn and the star of the aura in Furje queensThe first international show was held at the International Documentary Festival in Greece. They embrace their identities, strengthen solidarity among all Ukrainians and devote their energies to raise funds to support the defenders of their homeland, which was under a comprehensive attack from Russia for more than three years so far.

“Furje queens “This film is intended for everyone, where each of us fights our battle – for identity, for love, for the right to obtain a voice in this world. At the darkest times, what unites us is not just a common pain, but also fixed dignity, the ability to joy, creation and love. It is a story about those who, despite war, choose life in all its colors.”

As shown in the documentary recorded by Oscar waiting listAbout Russian cloud performance artist Gina Marvin, Russia became an unfair place for LGBTQ members after the unjustified invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In November 2023, for example, the Russian Supreme Court announced that the International LGBTQ is an extremist organization. This is only one indication of the way the war constitutes a struggle of civilizations – those oppressive and non -tolerance, and the last more open and comprehensive.

Furje queens “It explains that the Ukrainian LGBTQ community is an integral part of society and supports the country's activity in its most difficult times,” producer Ivana Khitsnska notes. “In times of war, the only thing that matters is the side you fight, and not how to wear clothes or who you love. Furje queens It aims to expand dialogue on human rights, freedom of expression and tolerance. This project is a message to the world that the Ukrainians are fighting not only for their independence, but also for the right to freedom in all its manifestations. ”

Producer Louis Bodemon adds, “Furje queens It contradicts all our prior concepts. It indicates that the war in Ukraine does not bring more patriarchal, more hatred, more racism, or more homosexual phobia. On the contrary, the development of the Ukrainian identity, liberated from the chains of the Russian Empire, and in the terrible circumstances of the most violent conflict that Europe has witnessed since World War II, embraces an idea that lies in the basis of Europe: united in diversity. “

Furje queens It is produced by Malanka Studios, Les Steps Productions and Films & Chips, in cooperation with ARTE and Superilne Ukraine (National Occupation in Ukraine).

“Furje queens Sergey Nidsleski, co -chief of production and foreign cars in Ukraine. “I cannot imagine seeing such a movie in totalitarian cases.”

The documentary is weaved between the three stories of the heroes, and they explore their individual trips from self -acceptance and self -expression. Diva Monroe (which is inspired by Marilyn Monroe, and then her name) became a prominent, actress, blogger and influential TV host in Ukraine, but in some respects, that public character found restricted. “She is seeking assistance from a psychological world and gradually revealing the real herself, freed from her public image,” notes film makers.

Interestingly, ARTUR OZEROV, nicknamed Aura, is a military man, and when he comes out of the uniform, an artist with clouds. He comes from what is called a divided family – his uncle left Ukraine to Russia, where he became an officer in FSB, KGB successor. Arthur and his mother, at the same time, “chose the values ​​of freedom” and although the original Russian speakers were originally indulged in the Ukrainian language as a national action.

Oleksandr Danilin, also known as Marleen Scandal, is cultivated and pushes them to the legendary situation in the LGBTQ community in Ukraine. As we saw Furje queensMarilyn organizes a major charitable event to raise money for Ukrainian soldiers.

The film explores a single area of ​​sensitivity to the Queer community in the country – not legal recognition of the same sexual relations. Ukrainian law does not allow marrying the same sex and does not include civil unions. In presenting questions and answers after the first global presentation, the film industry team indicated that the legislative body in Ukraine is studying a bill that would provide the legal status of sexual partnerships itself.

The issue has become particularly urgent in wartime, because the partners of the LGBTQ soldiers who were killed in the battle have no right to marital advantages – a fact that was explored in the documentary. Producer Olga Gibling, the manager, and Ivana Khitsnska, the producer, expressed some optimism that such legislation may be approved, and the audience told the Ukrainian society as a whole to sacrifice its gay military personnel who encouraged the courage to defend their country.

Furje queens Among ten cinemas by Ukrainian filmmakers who have received support from ARTE since the beginning of the war on a large scale.

“In Arte G in Strasbourg, we were immediately excited about this optimistic and relevant project,” the company said in a statement. “Queens are fighting war and murder with joy – and resistance by continuing daily life with dance, love and colored strength. Therefore, they decided to stay in their country and continue the struggle for LGBTQ+ vision and rights in the time of war.”