Experiencing pleasure in wartime would possibly sound like an impossibility, however members of the LGBTQ group in Ukraine are proving it’s not solely achievable, however even a type of resistance.
Diva Monroe, a trans girl, and drag performers Marlene and Aura star in Queens of Pleasure, which simply held its world premiere on the Thessaloniki Worldwide Documentary Pageant in Greece. They embrace their identities, promote solidarity amongst all Ukrainians and dedicate their energies to elevating cash to assist the defenders of their homeland, which has been below vicious full-scale assault from Russia for greater than three years now.
Malanka Studios/Les Steppes Productions/Movies & Chips
“Queens of Pleasure is a press release concerning the braveness to be your self, concerning the seek for hope, and about how true magnificence is born in freedom,” filmmaker Olga Gibelinda writes in a director’s assertion. “This movie is for everybody, as every of us fights our personal battle—for identification, for love, for the precise to have a voice on this world. Within the darkest instances, what unites us is not only shared ache, but in addition unwavering dignity, the flexibility to rejoice, create, and love. It’s a story about those that, regardless of the conflict, select life in all its colours.”
As proven within the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Queendom, concerning the Russian drag efficiency artist Gena Marvin, Russia grew to become an much more inhospitable place for LGBTQ folks after the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In November 2023, as an illustration, Russia’s supreme court docket declared the “worldwide LGBTQ motion” to be an extremist group. That is however one indication of the way in which wherein the conflict constitutes a conflict of civilizations – one which’s repressive and illiberal, and one other that’s way more open and inclusive.
Marlen in ‘Queens of Pleasure’
Malanka Studios/Les Steppes Productions/Movies & Chips
Queens of Pleasure “demonstrates that the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ group is an integral a part of society and actively helps the nation in its most troublesome instances,” notes producer Ivanna Khitsinska. “In instances of conflict, the one factor that issues is which facet you battle on, not the way you gown or whom you’re keen on. Queens of Pleasure goals to develop the dialogue about human rights, freedom of expression and tolerance. This challenge is a message to the world that Ukrainians are combating not just for their independence, but in addition for the precise to freedom in all its manifestations.”
Provides producer Louis Beaudemont, “Queens of Pleasure goes towards all our preconceived notions. It reveals that the conflict in Ukraine doesn’t deliver extra paternalism, extra hatred, extra racism, or extra homophobia. Quite the opposite, the event of Ukrainian identification, free of the chains of the Russian Empire and within the horrible circumstances of essentially the most violent battle Europe has skilled for the reason that Second World Conflict, embraces an concept that lies on the very basis of Europe: united in range.”
Queens of Pleasure is a manufacturing of Malanka Studios, Les Steppes Productions, and Movies & Chips, in collaboration with ARTE and Suspilne Ukraine (the nationwide public broadcaster in Ukraine).
“Queens of Pleasure is also proof that Ukraine is a free and tolerant nation,” feedback Sergiy Nedzelskyy, head of co-production and outsource commissioning at Suspilne Ukraine. “I can’t think about seeing such a movie within the totalitarian states.”
Diva Monroe in ‘Queens of Pleasure’
Malanka Studios/Les Steppes Productions/Movies & Chips
The documentary weaves between the tales of the three protagonists, exploring their particular person journeys of self-acceptance and self-expression. Diva Monroe (who attracts inspiration from Marilyn Monroe, therefore her identify) grew to become a distinguished TV host, actress, blogger, and influencer in Ukraine, however in some respects discovered that public persona constraining. “She seeks assist from a psychologist and step by step reveals her true self, breaking free from her public picture,” the filmmakers observe.
Artur Ozerov, aka Aura, in ‘Queens of Pleasure’
Malanka Studios/Les Steppes Productions/Movies & Chips
Curiously, Artur Ozerov, aka Aura, is each a army man and, when out of uniform, a drag artist. He comes from what be known as a divided household — his uncle left Ukraine for Russia, the place he grew to become an officer within the FSB, the successor of the KGB. Arthur and his mom, in the meantime, “selected the values of freedom” and although initially native Russian audio system they immersed themselves within the Ukrainian language as an act of patriotism.
Oleksandr Danilin, aka Marlen Scandal, cultivates a fierce drag persona, propelling them to legendary standing in Ukraine’s LGBTQ group. As seen in Queens of Pleasure, Marlen organizes a serious charity occasion to lift cash for Ukrainian troopers.
L-R Diva Monroe, producer Ivanna Khitsinska, and director Olga Gibelinda take part in a Q&A after the world premiere of ‘Queens of Pleasure’
Matthew Carey
The movie explores one space of sensitivity for the nation’s queer group – the dearth of authorized recognition for similar intercourse relationships. Ukrainian regulation doesn’t allow similar intercourse marriages nor codify civil unions. At a Q&A following the world premiere, the filmmaking crew famous that Ukraine’s legislature is contemplating a draft regulation that may accord authorized standing to similar intercourse partnerships.
The problem has develop into significantly urgent in wartime, as a result of companions of LGBTQ troopers killed in battle at the moment haven’t any proper to spousal advantages – a actuality explored within the documentary. Olga Gibelinda, the director, and Ivanna Khitsinska, the producer, expressed some optimism that such laws could be accepted, telling the viewers that Ukrainian society as a complete acknowledges the sacrifice of its LGBTQ army personnel who’ve bravely taken up the protection of their nation.
The ‘Queens of Pleasure’ artistic crew and Diva Monroe (left) participate in a Q&A following the world premiere
Matthew Carey
Queens of Pleasure is amongst a dozen movie initiatives by Ukrainian filmmakers which have earned assist from ARTE for the reason that begin of the full-scale conflict.
“At ARTE GEIE in Strasbourg, we have been instantly enthusiastic about this upbeat and related challenge,” the corporate stated in a press release. “The Queens fight conflict and homicide with pleasure – and resist by persevering with day by day life with dance, love and colourful energy. Subsequently, they’ve determined to remain put of their nation and proceed to battle for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in wartime.”
