"Queens of Joy": A Film About Drag Culture in Ukraine Has Been Released

"Joy as an Act of Resistance" is one of the film’s taglines. It tells the story of queer people living in Ukraine during wartime and the LGBTQ+ community coming together for freedom, love for their country, and the fight for their rights. The film introduces us to the stories of three heroines:

• Monroe is a trans woman, a well-known blogger, TV host, and social activist. She shares her own experiences of how art becomes a source of support during difficult times and helps her gain a deeper understanding of herself.
• Oleksandr Danilin, known as Marlen Scandal. Oleksandr passed away in September 2025, but he will forever remain a legend of Ukrainian drag culture. His life was filled with creativity and the fight for rights. He was a military psychologist and a co-founder of the organization “Ukrainian LGBTQ+ Military Personnel and Veterans for Equal Rights.”
• Artur Ozerov, known by his stage name Aura, who balances military service with his performing career. He candidly reflects on his own experiences related to the feeling of freedom and the support of his loved ones.

Against the backdrop of a full-scale war, the heroines join forces to put on a charity drag show in support of Ukraine and its defenders. The film is directed by Olga Gibelinda; this is her feature-length debut. The film has already been screened at international festivals and is now available to the general public in theaters starting January 29. 🌟 This inspiring story of self-discovery and the strength of the queer community is especially important today, when attempts are being made to erase the existence and visibility of LGBTQ+ people. Queer people in Ukraine are defending our country against Russian aggression while continuing to fight for basic rights—same-sex civil partnerships, recognition of gender identity, and appropriate punishment for hate crimes. And in these times, the film underscores how important it is to speak openly about our own stories, because visibility matters, and together, our voices can change reality.