Rea Xenitopoulos | Australia | 2025 | 11 mins

Queens is an intergenerational documentary told entirely through the words of Melbourne’s drag performers. At its centre is legendary entertainer Doug Lucas, who reflects on the early days of drag as camp comedy, its marginalisation within the queer community, and the pivotal role drag queens played during the AIDS crisis. Intercut with Doug’s memories and archival news footage are vibrant performances and candid reflections from a new generation of drag artists.
In the present day, drag becomes a form of transformation, armour, and freedom. A space to explore gender, authenticity, and fantasy on one’s own terms. Juxtaposing past and present, the film reveals drag as both resistance and celebration, as well as a living legacy of creativity and community. Queens honours those who came before while celebrating the artistry and spirit that continue to define drag today.