Queens of Joy: Ukraine’s First LGBTQ+ Doc Celebrates Resilience Amid War

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2022 saw filmmaker Olga Gibelinda documenting a unique tale, just a few months following the escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Instead of showcasing sorrow, “Queens of Joy,” debuting at the Newcomers Competition of the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, highlights the lives and performances of three drag queens who persisted to live and entertain amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the trailer provided by EbMaster below:

The film titled ‘Queens of Joy‘ is breaking new ground by being one of three selected for co-production by Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne, marking their first venture into this area. Notably, it will be the inaugural LGBTQ+ film to air on a national public broadcaster in Ukraine. In a statement, Sergiy Nedzelskyy, head of co-production and outsource commissioning at Suspilne Ukraine, expressed that ‘Queens of Joy’ demonstrates that Ukraine is a country that values freedom and tolerance. He finds it hard to envision such a film being shown in totalitarian regimes.

Gibelinda shares, “People will get a chance to witness LGBTQ+ individuals who have decided to remain in Ukraine and stand by them during this crisis,” she tells EbMaster. “There are numerous LGBTQ+ voices within our military forces, bravely fighting on the frontlines. The atmosphere here is transforming positively. In contrast to my father’s generation that shared many thoughts with Russia, I believe that around 70% of Ukrainians either openly endorse LGBTQ+ individuals or simply do not care.

The groundbreaking documentary was created due to Gibelinda’s friendship with one of its central figures, Diva Monroe. Since the 90s, this performer has been a pioneer for drag in Ukraine, even helping to popularize the term “drag queen” in Ukrainian media. Now identifying as transgender, Monroe is a notable influencer and trans activist.

As the director, I was elated to learn that Monroe had chosen to remain in Ukraine. The announcement that all the clubs would stay open brought an extra layer of relief, as these establishments doubled as shelters during the conflict. Being underground, many of these clubs could provide a safe haven for those seeking refuge from the war’s harsh realities. My fascination was piqued by the concept of these clubs serving as sanctuaries, offering a glimmer of hope and respite amidst the chaos.

Gibelinda started working on a movie project towards the end of 2022. During the initial production phase, she devoted her first year to building professional connections with Monroe, Marlene, and Aura – the three drag queens in the film. “I felt it was essential to depict my characters authentically, both off-stage and on, so I knew we needed time for that,” she explains.

Throughout development, we’d frequently connect and discuss various topics. During that initial year, my Director of Photography (DoP) and I were primarily establishing relationships with our characters. Trust was crucial, and it required time to develop. We were deeply involved in each other’s lives,” she emphasizes, underscoring how the war setting heightened her sense of certain values as a documentarian.

Gibelinda emphasized that filmmaking has always been integral to her life, and it remains so even throughout the war. During the initial stages of conflict escalation, she was part of a humanitarian hub’s media team as a volunteer. She stated, ‘Although we are not doctors or soldiers, we have our tools – cameras and knowledge – to document events as they unfold. So, we took to the streets, capturing footage for Ukrainian media.’

As someone who serves in the army reserve, I’m well-versed in military protocols. This familiarity gives me a sense of confidence when it comes to handling my subjects in high-risk situations near the frontlines. If ever I find myself in a perilous situation, I know how to respond effectively. Of course, the footage is always on my mind, but at the end of the day, the preservation of human life takes priority over any recording.

In relation to significant matters, one crucial topic in the book “Queens of Joy” revolves around the rights of partners of LGBTQ+ soldiers who lose their lives on the battlefield. Since gay marriage is not recognized in Ukraine, these partners are often left uninformed about their loved ones’ deaths, lack the authority to make decisions regarding their bodies, and are denied state support. As amending the Ukrainian constitution is forbidden during martial law, it’s impossible to legalize same-sex marriages during the conflict, but activists have launched petitions calling for interim recognition of civil unions. President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously instructed the government to explore this possibility, with a draft law proposed shortly after.

Gibelinda highlights that protecting relationships for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community is crucial as these rights are fundamental human rights. In times like war, it’s essential to discuss and comprehend how laws impact these relationships, especially considering the numerous LGBTQ+ soldiers bravely serving on the frontlines. The film aims to contribute to this understanding and help promote equality.

As a supporter of the arts, I’m part of one of twelve cinematic endeavors spearheaded by Ukrainian filmmakers since the onset of the war in Ukraine. This particular project, which we fondly refer to as “Queens of Joy,” is a collaborative effort between Arte and Suspilne Ukraine, with Malanka Studios, Les Steppes Productions, and Films & Chips contributing their expertise in production. Malanka Studios takes care of the worldwide distribution of our film.

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2025-03-10 22:47