Meet the queer activist who bravely protests on the streets of Russia in drag
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Queendom star Gena Marvin is urging Russians to watch her radical documentary after the country’s Supreme Court declared that LGBTQ+ activists are “extremists”. The 90-minute film, directed by Agniia Galdanova, offers an intimate insight into Marvin’s life as a genderqueer drag queen who unapologetically took to the streets of Russia to protest anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine among other political causes.
Marvin saw the documentary as a radical tool and an opportunity to give a voice to the people who didn’t have the same platform as them. They wanted to speak for minorities and amplify their voices. One scene in the film shows Marvin wrapping their body in barbed wire as an anti-war statement before being detained. The film showcases countless displays of disorienting, explosively colorful, and anguished public performances, all rooted in Marvin’s drag.
With over 137k followers on Instagram, the 24-year-old drag artist now resides in Paris after seeking asylum from Russia’s authoritarian laws. Marvin is aware that Queendom’s release coincides with the Russian Supreme Court’s ruling that brands the LGBTQ+ movement as extremist, potentially resulting in queer people being imprisoned for simply existing.
Marvin passionately declares that their story is not unique and that there are many stories like theirs out there in the world. They want this film to be widely available in Russia, not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for anyone affected by the new laws. Marvin wants people to see the film and understand the damage the state does to families, children, and everyone involved.
Marvin’s life has always been lived in extremes. Growing up in Magadan, a Russian far east port town haunted by its past of Soviet labor camps (the Gulag), Marvin never truly fit in. It was very difficult to accept being queer in Magadan, let alone come out. Marvin was open about their sexuality, making them a target for everyone, including fellow queer people. Despite the challenges, Marvin made a few friends, most of whom were girls.
In 2009, Marvin left Magadan for the vibrant underground queer scene in St. Petersburg, where they discovered their love for drag. In 2013, the Russian state introduced its notorious anti-gay propaganda law, further fueling Marvin’s fire to make a meaningful impact. Marvin decided to move away from traditional drag and instead adopted unique and audacious political costuming as their modus operandi.
Queendom has gained critical acclaim and star power, with non-binary The Crown star Emma Corrin hosting a screening of the film in London. Marvin expressed their happiness that someone like Emma supports the project. The film resonates with viewers due to its unique portrayal of Marvin’s trailblazing and courageous drag activism, the resilience of the queer Russian community, and the ability for queer joy to remain in the face of abuse and Marvin’s complicated relationship with their family.
In an era when drag is under threat across the globe, Queendom serves as a timely manifesto on the power of artistic expression. The film is available to watch in select cinemas now.
In conclusion, Queendom star Gena Marvin’s documentary sheds light on their life as a genderqueer drag queen and their activism in Russia. The film aims to give a voice to minorities and amplify their stories. Marvin hopes that the film will be widely available in Russia, despite the country’s recent ruling branding LGBTQ+ activists as extremists. Queendom showcases Marvin’s radical performances and highlights the damage caused by oppressive laws. With the support of stars like Emma Corrin, the film serves as a testament to the power of artistic expression and resilience in the face of adversity.
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