"The Empress of Vancouver" (2022), directed by Dave Rodden-Shortt, is a cinematic exploration that blends the worlds of drag, queer history, and performance art into an emotionally charged and genre-defying documentary. At the heart of this narrative is Oliv Howe, the iconic trans figure and drag queen, who became the 10th Empress of Vancouver in 1981. This milestone marked a turning point not only in her life but also in the queer community's struggle for recognition and rights in the city. As Howe prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her coronation, the documentary brings together her past and present to tell a story of survival, perseverance, and the ever-evolving fight for queer rights.
The idea for "The Empress of Vancouver" emerged in 2018, when filmmaker Dave Rodden-Shortt met Oliv Howe while working on "Beyond the Facade", a series of short films focusing on Vancouver’s lesser-known histories. At the time, Howe had been invited to share her experiences of Vancouver’s queer scene in the 1980s, a pivotal time in the city’s LGBTQ+ history. Rodden-Shortt recalls being captivated by Howe’s storytelling and detailed recollections of the past. Howe's deep knowledge of the queer community made her a living archive, and it quickly became clear that she was more than just a subject for a short film - her story deserved the spotlight of a full-length feature. Rodden-Shortt, originally from Calgary and now based in Vancouver, was so impressed by Howe’s engaging personality, sharp wit, and remarkable memory that he decided to center his feature film around her life. The decision to make "The Empress of Vancouver" was not just about Howe's personal journey, but also about documenting the broader historical context of the queer community during a transformative era. Howe's own experiences as a trailblazer in the queer and drag communities made her an ideal guide to explore this important chapter in Vancouver's history.
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The documentary’s narrative structure revolves around Howe's preparations for the 40th anniversary of her coronation as Empress of Vancouver. This anniversary celebration allows Rodden-Shortt to weave together moments of Howe’s past with new, elaborate drag performances. Through this structure, the film showcases not only Howe’s personal history but also the growth of Vancouver’s drag and queer scenes, which she helped shape. One of the documentary’s most compelling aspects is how it examines Howe’s childhood in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where she grew up on a farm before fleeing to Montreal at the age of 10. In Montreal, Howe would eventually become part of a tight-knit queer community, and it was here that she first performed drag at the age of 14. Her journey would eventually bring her to Vancouver, where she became a fixture in the city’s burgeoning drag scene. In 1981, Howe was elected the 10th Empress of Vancouver by the Dogwood Monarchist Society, a title that would lead her to play a key role in Canada’s first official Pride parade.
While the focus of "The Empress of Vancouver" is on Howe’s life, Rodden-Shortt faced an initial challenge in finding enough archival material to support the story. During the 1980s, photographs and other media were often discouraged in LGBTQ+ spaces due to the risk of outing individuals, which could result in job loss or eviction. Despite this, the filmmaker was fortunate to discover a wealth of archival material, particularly through the digitized archives of "Gayblevision", Canada’s first gay and lesbian television program. The archives provided valuable footage of the queer community in Vancouver during the early 1980s, including clips of Howe’s participation in the first Pride parade. Additionally, photographer Oraf Oraffson’s extensive collection of photographs, capturing daily moments from Howe’s life in 1981, helped bring the era to life. The documentary features over 4,000 of Oraffson’s images, many of which were taken during Howe’s campaign to become Empress and her year-long reign.
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As the film delves into Vancouver’s queer history, it also explores the profound impact of the AIDS crisis on the community. The documentary presents a poignant portrayal of the devastation wrought by the epidemic, which claimed the lives of many in the community, including artists, caregivers, and activists. Howe’s reflections on the loss of two generations of queer leaders serve as a reminder of the heavy toll AIDS took on Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ population. In one of the most heartbreaking scenes, the documentary features black-and-white headshots of those lost to the epidemic while Howe talks about the profound loss of those who would have shaped the future of the community. The film also addresses the internal tensions within the LGBTQ+ community during the early 1980s. Howe discusses the concept of “homonormativity,” where certain segments of the queer community, particularly white, cisgender, and able-bodied gays and lesbians, pushed for a more “acceptable” and uniform identity. This effort to gain mainstream acceptance often led to the marginalization of more flamboyant and diverse members of the queer community, including drag queens and trans individuals. Howe’s story is a powerful commentary on the importance of inclusivity and the need to celebrate all expressions of queerness, no matter how unconventional.
For Rodden-Shortt, the making of "The Empress of Vancouver" was not just a historical project - it was also a deeply personal journey. As someone who had been involved in the fight for gay rights, including participating in a 2001 lawsuit to legalize same-sex marriage in Canada, Rodden-Shortt saw the film as an opportunity to remind younger generations of the struggles that had been fought for their current freedoms. He believes it is important for younger people to understand the challenges faced by earlier activists in order to protect the rights they now enjoy. The documentary serves as a call to action, urging viewers to remain vigilant about the fragility of hard-won rights. As Rodden-Shortt notes, “Things don’t necessarily move in one direction. They can move backwards.” This message is especially relevant in today’s political climate, where queer rights are under increasing scrutiny in various parts of the world.
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At its heart, "The Empress of Vancouver" is a celebration of queerness, drag, and performance art. Oliv Howe’s unapologetic and vibrant presence is a reminder of the power of self-expression and the importance of living authentically. The documentary captures her iconic performances, including an unforgettable rendition of Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” which is set against the backdrop of an iceberg-themed drag number. This poignant performance serves as a powerful reminder that drag is more than just entertainment - it is a form of social commentary, a way to challenge norms, and a powerful tool for political expression. The documentary’s original score by Cindy Lee/Pat Flegel adds to the film’s emotional depth, while its creative direction pays tribute to the colorful, larger-than-life world of drag. From the retro-’80s title screen to the elaborate performances, the film embodies the boldness and originality of Oliv Howe herself. "The Empress of Vancouver" is more than just a documentary about a drag queen’s reign - it is a vibrant celebration of queer history, resilience, and non-conformity. Through Oliv Howe’s story, the film captures a moment in time when Vancouver’s queer community was on the cusp of major social change. It is a testament to the power of performance art to inspire, entertain, and challenge societal norms. By spotlighting the vibrant legacy of Oliv Howe, the documentary also invites audiences to reflect on the ongoing struggle for queer rights and the need to embrace all forms of queerness. In the end, the film is a joyous celebration of a community that continues to thrive on the margins, pushing the boundaries of identity and expression.
Image credits: Vimeo
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