"Queen of the Capital," a 2020 documentary directed by Josh Davidsburg, delves into the dynamic world of drag culture in Washington, D.C., through the lens of Muffy Blake Stephyns, a drag queen and Washington bureaucrat. By day, Muffy Blake Stephyns is known as Daniel Hays, a legislative analyst at the U.S. Department of Labor, but by night, she transforms into her larger-than-life drag persona, raising awareness for social causes and funds for various charities.
The film follows Muffy's year-long journey as she campaigns to be crowned the Empress of the Imperial Court of Washington, D.C., an LGBTQ+ organization that blends drag performance with community activism. Josh Davidsburg, an award-winning journalist and filmmaker, has spent much of his career in television news but has transitioned into long-form documentary filmmaking. In addition to his documentaries, Davidsburg teaches full-time at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. His passion for storytelling led him to focus on unique and personal narratives that intertwine larger societal themes, such as the intersection of drag performance and social justice. Davidsburg's work has been featured at numerous film festivals, and he is currently working on a feature-length film. His approach to "Queen of the Capital" reflects his dedication to telling compelling human stories while shedding light on lesser-known aspects of communities, in this case, the LGBTQ+ drag scene in Washington, D.C.
When Davidsburg first met Daniel Hays, he was struck by the contrast between Hays' everyday life as a bureaucrat and his vibrant alter-ego, Muffy Blake Stephyns. The juxtaposition between these two roles, the quiet, methodical worker by day and the fierce, charitable drag queen by night, was too compelling to ignore. While teaching an introductory multimedia class, one of Davidsburg’s students introduced him to Muffy at a pride event, leading to the idea for the documentary. What started as a small class project blossomed into a full-fledged documentary as Davidsburg learned more about the Imperial Court and Muffy's significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. "Queen of the Capital" is not just about drag performance; it’s a character study that provides insight into the world of D.C. drag and its unique blend of artistry and activism.
Through Muffy’s journey, the film explores the hidden role the Imperial Court plays in supporting various charitable organizations. For example, the Court donates all tips earned during performances to charity, raising tens of thousands of dollars each year for causes such as HIV/AIDS research, epilepsy awareness, and LGBTQ youth support. The documentary subtly introduces several nonprofit organizations Muffy works with, showing how her drag persona is intertwined with her mission to give back to the community that has supported her. One of the key moments in the film is when Muffy experiences an epileptic seizure, an issue she has battled for years. The documentary follows her struggles and highlights her involvement with the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia, another nonprofit she helps raise funds for. This personal moment underscores the intersection of Muffy’s life as a performer and as an advocate, showing that her drag persona is more than just a performance; it’s a vehicle for change.
While "Queen of the Capital" offers dazzling visuals of drag queens in extravagant costumes, the heart of the film lies in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ chosen families and the close-knit relationships within the drag community. Muffy's drag family, led by her drag mother Shelby Jewel Stephyns, provides her with emotional and practical support, creating an environment where love and loyalty thrive beyond biological ties. The film emphasizes that LGBTQ+ individuals can lead happy, fulfilling lives outside the confines of traditional family structures. A particularly touching scene captures a family dinner, where Muffy and her chosen family, including Shelby, share a meal and reflect on their bond. Shelby’s statement, “We’re not required to love you; we choose to love you,” encapsulates the film’s message about the power of chosen families.
Unlike many LGBTQ+ films that focus on tragedy, persecution, and struggle, "Queen of the Capital" offers a refreshing and uplifting view of the LGBTQ+ community. The film doesn’t shy away from addressing hardships, such as the impact of HIV/AIDS, disability, homophobia, and loss, but it continuously returns to the positive, life-affirming relationships that make this community so resilient. Muffy’s drag performances are not merely about entertainment - they serve as a way to give back and support those who have become her family. At its core, "Queen of the Capital" is about the values that the Imperial Court embodies: service, charity, and solidarity. The Court’s motto, "From the heart, through the Court, for the community," is a reflection of the deep commitment its members have to one another and to the causes they champion.
In many ways, the Washington, D.C. drag scene represents a departure from the more raucous, rebellious spirit often associated with drag in other cities like New York. In "Queen of the Capital," drag queens are depicted as older, more reserved, and grounded in a sense of tradition and community service. They may not embody the same outspoken, in-your-face attitude of the queens in films like "Paris is Burning," but they have developed a distinctive culture focused on charity work and creating positive change. As one of the queens humorously puts it, "We’re the gay man’s Renaissance Faire," while another suggests, "We’re the gay Shriners…without the little cars." This approach is both the film’s charm and its limitation. While the documentary provides valuable insight into the history and evolution of D.C.’s drag scene, it sometimes feels more like a "feature story" from a news segment rather than a documentary that fully immerses the viewer in the vibrant world of drag.
The film touches on various aspects of Muffy’s life, from her childhood in Marceline, Missouri, to her struggles with epilepsy, but it does so in a manner that sometimes lacks the energy and exuberance one might expect from a documentary about drag performance. Despite its quieter approach, "Queen of the Capital" succeeds in capturing the essence of the Imperial Court’s mission: to use the art of drag as a platform for charity, visibility, and social change. The film provides an intimate look at Muffy’s life, exploring the challenges and rewards of balancing her career as a government worker with her passion for performing and fundraising for important causes. In addition to Muffy's journey, the documentary highlights the broader history of drag culture in Washington, D.C., showcasing the role of families and mentorship in sustaining the art form. The older queens play an essential role in passing down knowledge and guiding the younger generation, preserving traditions while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
"Queen of the Capital" is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and generosity of the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, D.C. The documentary showcases the life of Muffy Blake Stephyns, a drag queen who uses her platform not only to entertain but also to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through her work with the Imperial Court, Muffy exemplifies the powerful intersection of art and activism, proving that drag can be both a form of self-expression and a means of social change. While the film may not capture the full spectacle of drag performances, it shines a light on the quieter, more profound aspects of the drag community, such as the bonds of chosen family, the impact of charity work, and the importance of creating spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive. "Queen of the Capital" is ultimately a celebration of love, community, and the enduring spirit of drag.
Image credits: YouTube
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