Release Year: 1967
Synopsis:
"Queens at Heart," a short pseudo-documentary released in 1967, offers a remarkable look into the lives of transgender individuals and the vibrant drag ball culture of mid-1960s New York City. Long obscured and forgotten, the film was rediscovered by LGBTQ historian Jenni Olson in the mid-1990s and restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive in 2009 as part of the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project. This restoration has revived interest in a significant cultural artifact that provides invaluable insights into pre-Stonewall queer life.
Set against the backdrop of a time when LGBTQ identities were largely marginalized, "Queens at Heart" stands out for its candid portrayal of the struggles and joys of transgender women and drag performers. The film captures a world where individuals navigated their identities in secrecy and often faced societal rejection. Jenni Olson described the film as “the most significant on every level,” highlighting its unique ability to present a rare glimpse into a community often overlooked in historical narratives.
