Galore

Director: Dylan Tonk and Lazlo Tonk
Release Year: 2019

The 2019 documentary Galore directed by the Tonk brothers, Lazlo and Dylan, is a deeply intimate portrayal of the drag queen sensation, Lady Galore. A rising star in the European drag community, Lady Galore, who is brought to life by Amsterdam-based Sander den Baas, has become a symbol of visibility and solidarity in a world that often struggles to embrace alternative lifestyles. The film chronicles her journey and explores the personal transformation of Sander, whose health struggles are juxtaposed against the flamboyant persona of Lady Galore. As the documentary unfolds, it reveals the sacrifices and emotional toll that come with the dedication to a larger-than-life alter ego, and it asks poignant questions about identity and self-worth.

 

When the Tonk brothers, both openly gay, began work on Galore, they had little knowledge of the drag world. It was only after meeting Sander and his drag collective, Drag Queens United, that they began to understand the powerful role drag can play in challenging social norms. The documentary's initial spark came from their collaboration with Sander, which began through viral lip-sync videos with Drag Queens United. As they worked together on the film, the bond between the three grew, eventually evolving from a professional relationship to a true friendship. Their mutual respect for Lady Galore, both as a performance artist and as a symbol of LGBTQ+ activism, became the foundation of the project. The film premiered at the Pink Film Days in the spring of 2019, where it received immediate attention at various international queer film festivals. As it traveled worldwide, Galore began to reach beyond the LGBTQ+ community, showing how drag culture can be an avenue for empathy and understanding. For the Tonk brothers, the documentary became a way to bridge gaps and introduce the concept of drag to a broader audience. 

 

At the heart of Galore is the personal journey of Sander den Baas, who has dedicated much of his life to the art of drag. As Lady Galore, Sander not only takes on the glamorous persona of a diva but also tackles deep-seated issues like body image and personal health. Known for her towering presence, Lady Galore’s unique appearance, in part, derives from Sander’s large physique. While this distinctive feature made Lady Galore stand out, it also presented significant health challenges for Sander. The documentary does not shy away from exploring the toll that the drag persona has taken on Sander’s body and mind. As Lady Galore continues to gain fame, Sander’s health deteriorates, and he faces an increasingly difficult battle with obesity. 

 

A turning point in the documentary comes when Sander undergoes gastric bypass surgery, a decision that will alter his physical appearance and bring a new set of questions about the future of Lady Galore. Will the public accept a slimmer version of the diva? Will Lady Galore still embody the same flamboyant energy that has made her a household name? Sander’s vulnerability as he navigates the complex emotions surrounding his health is a central theme of the film. The filmmakers present him as a man who is both confident in his art and deeply uncertain about his own identity outside of drag. At one point, Sander reflects on how people often treat him differently when he's in drag, constantly praising Lady Galore but showing little interest in the man behind the makeup. “When I go to a party as Sander, people ask, ‘Aren’t you in drag today?’ It’s like, ‘No, I’m just being myself. Is that not good enough?’” His thoughts about identity and self-acceptance resonate deeply, especially as he grapples with the pressure of conforming to expectations, both in the world of drag and in his personal life. 

 

One of the most powerful moments in Galore is when Sander begins to see his body transformation as an opportunity to reframe how he views himself. The weight loss and newfound sense of confidence have left a lasting impression on him. In the film, Sander reflects on the physical changes, noting that he now stands taller and holds his head up high. “Before, I used to slouch. Now I remind myself: keep your back straight and shoulders back!” His journey toward body positivity is a testament to his personal growth, although he admits that he’s still learning to accept his new body. While he feels better about himself, Sander confesses that it’s not always easy to internalize the changes. “I’m happy with my body now. I know what it used to be, and I know what it is now. And I think, well, not bad. But I still need to believe it,” he admits, demonstrating the emotional complexity of transformation. Sander’s growth also extends beyond his physical appearance. He’s learning to embrace a life where he no longer needs to hide behind the mask of Lady Galore. 

 

However, there are still areas in which he’s not quite ready to fully let go of the drag persona. For instance, Sander continues to use Grindr to further his public profile but does so under Lady Galore’s name. He admits that it’s an effective way to stay visible but still feels like a step outside of his true self. “I use Grindr as a social media tool,” he says with a smile, acknowledging the ways in which modern technology intersects with his career. Galore has traveled to many film festivals around the world since its release, including showings in Switzerland, Brazil, and even China. The experience of screening the film in China was particularly moving for Sander, Lazlo, and Dylan. The audience’s enthusiasm and warmth were palpable, even though the screening was held at the British consulate, since a public theater screening wasn’t possible in China at the time. “You could really feel like we meant something to the people there,” Dylan reflects, still touched by the reception. For Sander, the experience of sharing his story with audiences who have little exposure to LGBTQ+ culture has been a humbling reminder of the universal power of storytelling. 

 

As the documentary continues to gain traction, the Tonk brothers and Sander have begun considering the future of the Galore project. The question of a sequel has arisen, with Sander jokingly suggesting “Galore 2!” But Dylan points out that any follow-up could take on different forms. “For now, we’re focused on festivals and looking into a TV or streaming release,” he says, noting that the goal is to reach a wider audience, including those who might not typically attend LGBTQ+ film festivals. Lazlo adds, “Platforms like Netflix would help us reach audiences who wouldn’t normally come to a gay film festival.” Whether Galore continues as a franchise or stands as a standalone exploration of drag culture, it is clear that the documentary has left an indelible mark on both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader world. The film highlights the personal and societal impact of drag as an art form, while also providing a tender look at the human side of the performers who bring these larger-than-life personas to life. For Sander, the journey is far from over - both as Lady Galore and as the man behind the mask. Galore is a testament to the transformative power of drag, self-expression, and the ongoing struggle for visibility and acceptance in a world that is constantly evolving.

 

via: winq.nl and imdb

Image credits: imdb