The Queens

Director: Adrienne Gruben
Release Year: 2019

The Queens is a captivating 2019 documentary directed by Adrienne Gruben, offering a rare and intimate look into the lives of four of the world's most iconic drag queens. Through this film, viewers are invited behind the glitzy, glamorous exterior of the drag world, exploring the highs and lows of their careers, personal struggles, and the art form itself. Featuring prominent figures such as Jinkx Monsoon, Sharon Needles, Alaska Thunderfck, and Katya Zamolodchikova, The Queens provides an in-depth narrative that spans over two years, offering an honest portrayal of their experiences in the spotlight.

 

The documentary delves into the personal and professional lives of these drag performers, shedding light on both their triumphs and tribulations. From performing on stages around the globe to dealing with the intense pressures of RuPaul's Drag Race fame, The Queens explores the complex and often challenging journey of these queens. The film brings to the forefront their resilience, ambition, and unwavering commitment to their art, all while confronting the difficulties they face as public figures in an often unforgiving industry. Among the queens featured, Jinkx Monsoon and Sharon Needles stand out as former winners of RuPaul’s Drag Race, while Alaska Thunderfck, a former champion of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, and Katya Zamolodchikova, a fan favorite from Season 7 and All Stars 2, offer additional perspectives on the diverse and vibrant drag community. Together, these four queens represent the evolution of drag, from its underground roots to its mainstream success. The documentary does not shy away from the personal challenges and tragedies that these queens have encountered, providing a raw and unfiltered glimpse into their lives. It explores the human side of drag, including the toll of fame, the impact of personal loss, and the struggles with identity and self-acceptance. 

 

Jinkx Monsoon, born Hera Hoffer on September 18, 1987, is a renowned American drag queen, actress, singer, and comedian, best known for her quick wit, celebrity impersonations, and musical theatre-inspired performances. Monsoon rose to prominence after winning the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013, and later achieved even greater recognition by winning RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 in 2022, becoming the first queen to win twice across the show’s iterations. She made her Broadway debut in 2023 and has also pursued a successful music career, releasing albums like The Inevitable Album (2014) and The Ginger Snapped (2018). Monsoon's career expanded beyond the drag scene into film and television. She appeared in the holiday film The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special (2021) alongside her collaborator BenDeLaCreme and voiced a character in Steven Universe in 2018. 

 

She also starred in the series Sketchy Queens, which she co-created. In 2024, Monsoon joined the cast of Doctor Who as the villain Maestro. Born in Portland, Oregon, Monsoon first performed in drag at age 15 and later attended Cornish College of the Arts, graduating with a BFA in theater in 2010. Before entering the drag scene, she worked as a janitor and performed in various theatre productions, including Spring Awakening and RENT. Her drag name was inspired by the character Edina Monsoon from Absolutely Fabulous. Her breakthrough came when she competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012, where she stood out with her impersonations, including the memorable portrayal of "Little Edie" Bouvier in the Snatch Game. Her win brought her widespread acclaim, leading to performances on stage, including a portrayal of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and roles in various cabaret performances. She also released her debut album in 2014 and participated in numerous shows and collaborations in the years following. 

 

Sharon Needles, born Aaron Robert Coady on November 28, 1981, is an American drag performer and recording artist. She gained international fame as the winner of the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012, where her unique, ghoulish style and quick wit made her a fan favorite. Known for her dark, horror-inspired aesthetic, Needles' drag persona often incorporates macabre elements and humor. After winning Drag Race, Needles released her debut album PG-13 in 2013, which charted on the Billboard 200. She continued to release successful albums, including Taxidermy (2015), Battle Axe (2017), Spoopy (2019), and Absolute Zero (2022). Needles also made appearances in various media, including hosting horror films on the Logo network and participating in a PETA campaign. 

 

However, Needles has faced significant criticism in recent years due to allegations of racially insensitive behavior and sexual misconduct. She has been accused of using offensive racial language and imagery, leading to her being banned from Drag Race by a former producer. These controversies have marred her career, despite her earlier success and iconic status in the drag community. Needles grew up in Newton, Iowa, and moved to Pittsburgh in 2004, where she became a professional drag performer. She gained attention on Drag Race for her unconventional fashion and performance style, eventually being crowned "America's Next Drag Superstar." Her personal life has seen notable relationships, including with fellow Drag Race contestant Alaska Thunderf**k, though they separated in 2013. Despite facing backlash, Needles remains an influential figure in the drag world, known for pushing boundaries with her art while also dealing with the complexities of her controversial reputation. 

 

Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, born Justin Andrew Honard on March 6, 1985, is an American drag queen, singer, and television personality best known for being the runner-up on RuPaul's Drag Race season 5 and the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 2. Originating from Erie, Pennsylvania, she studied theater before pursuing a career in drag. Alaska developed her drag persona while in Los Angeles, where she performed at clubs like Fubar and Trannyshack. Her career took off with her Drag Race appearance, leading to successful music releases. Her debut album, Anus, came out in 2015, followed by Poundcake (2016) and Vagina (2019). She has also appeared in various drag-related projects, including hosting the Race Chaser podcast and participating in stage productions. 

 

Alaska's work includes being part of The AAA Girls drag group with fellow Drag Race queens Willam and Courtney Act, and hosting the Drag Queen of the Year Pageant. Alaska's personal life includes a past relationship with Drag Race winner Sharon Needles, which ended in 2013 but they remained friends. She has also had a significant following in drag culture, with her unique sense of humor and creative performances. Alaska’s memoir, My Name's Yours, What's Alaska?, was released in 2021. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, she remains one of the most influential figures in the drag community. Her public image is marked by her creative risk-taking, humor, and commitment to drag as an art form. She has cited icons like Divine, Marilyn Monroe, and Lady Gaga as her influences. Alaska is also active on social media, with millions of followers, and has participated in various charity and advocacy efforts, including supporting LGBTQ+ causes and raising awareness on issues like addiction. 

 

Brian Joseph McCook, born May 1, 1982, is an American drag queen, actor, comedian, author, and podcaster, best known by his drag persona Katya Zamolodchikova (Katya). He gained widespread recognition for placing fifth on season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race and as a runner-up on RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars season 2. Katya is also renowned for her web series UNHhhh and the TV series The Trixie & Katya Show, which she co-hosts with fellow Drag Race alum Trixie Mattel. Raised in Marlborough, Massachusetts, McCook attended the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where he developed an interest in drag. He created the Russian-inspired character of Katya in 2006, drawing inspiration from female comedians like Tracy Ullman and Amy Sedaris. 

 

Katya became known in Boston's drag scene, where McCook hosted shows and performed Russian pop music. McCook auditioned for RuPaul's Drag Race four times before joining season 7, where he won two challenges and finished fifth. He was voted Miss Congeniality by fans. In All Stars season 2, he finished as a runner-up. Beyond Drag Race, Katya has had a successful career in entertainment, appearing in films, co-hosting the Whimsically Volatile podcast, and releasing her comedy special Help Me, I'm Dying. She also released a New York Times bestseller co-written with Trixie Mattel. Katya and Trixie’s partnership continued with the podcast The Bald and The Beautiful and other ventures, including a Substack advice column. McCook has openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse and mental health, taking a brief hiatus in 2018 to focus on recovery. Despite challenges, McCook's career flourished, with further involvement in television, book releases, and live performances. In 2024, he began hosting the Who's the Asshole? podcast for Grindr. Throughout his career, McCook has been open about his personal life, including his battles with addiction and his recovery journey. He continues to be a prominent figure in the drag community and an influential voice in pop culture.

 

The Queens gives viewers a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and rewards that come with performing art at the highest level, offering a profound appreciation for the dedication, creativity, and resilience required to thrive in such a demanding field. At its core, The Queens is a celebration of drag culture and the powerful impact it has had on both the performers and their audiences. By lifting the lace front, it reveals the passion, vulnerability, and strength that underpin the art of drag, offering an unforgettable portrait of four extraordinary individuals who have become trailblazers in the world of entertainment. Through its exploration of the professional and personal lives of these drag queens, The Queens captures the essence of their journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, self-expression, and the power of community. It serves as a tribute to the drag world’s ongoing evolution, showcasing the resilience and determination that have made these queens not only icons but also cultural ambassadors who continue to inspire and empower others around the world. 

 

Ultimately, The Queens is a powerful reminder of the significance of drag as both an art form and a form of self-expression, offering a nuanced perspective on the lives of these remarkable individuals. It is a documentary that not only celebrates their success but also acknowledges the hardships they have faced, creating a deeper understanding of the intersection of fame, tragedy, and triumph within the drag community.

 

via: Vimeo

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Image credits: Vimeo