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Being unique in any environment can require bravery, but in Vladimir Putin’s Russia, it takes an unparalleled level of courage. Queendom is a examination of the life of Gena Marvin (birth name Gennadiy Chebotarev), a queer drag performer who challenges the toxic masculinity of Putin’s regime, the aggression towards Ukraine, and the overall homophobic attitudes in Russian society. Gena boldly takes to the streets of Moscow in eye-catching and eccentric costumes and towering heels, resembling a character from a Giacometti sculpture. She often joins protests or marches alone, and sometimes even provocatively incorporates the three colors of the Russian flag into her outfits. Unfortunately, she frequently faces physical violence as a result.
Gena was born in Magadan, a remote town in the far east known for its association with forced labor camps during the Stalin era. Despite causing frustration among the locals with her drag experiments, she gained a large following on TikTok. Eventually, she moved to Moscow to pursue her studies. However, she was later expelled from college and had to return to her hometown before eventually seeking refuge in France. As an orphan, Gena was raised by her grandparents and has a tumultuous relationship with her grandfather, who openly expresses his disapproval of Gena’s identity and the trouble it brings her. He even pressures Gena to join the army, and she reluctantly shows up at the recruitment center in military attire but does not follow through.
At one point, the elderly man expresses frustration and questions who is funding Gena’s performances. However, it is clear that no one is currently financing her endeavors. Gena is focused on establishing an online presence and potentially generating income from it in the future, a concept that her grandfather may not fully understand. It is possible that this documentary itself serves as a source of income for Gena, but it is likely that she also earns a living through the fashion industry in Paris. While I would have been interested in learning more about Gena’s mother and her family background, this film presents a captivating portrayal of Gena.
Source: theguardian.com
