A random collection of films authored by or about my transgender, intersex sisters, and gender-nonconforming persons all over the world. I watched some of them, and I was inspired by some of them. I met some of the authors and heroines, some of them are my best friends, and I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing some of them. If you know of any transgender documentary that I have not covered yet, please let me know.
Director: Miles Christian Daniels
Release Year: 2004
Synopsis:
"Dixie Queen," directed by Miles Christian Daniels, is a vibrant and thought-provoking documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Tara Nicole, a drag queen hailing from Wilmington, North Carolina. The film explores the complexities of her identity as a performer, as well as the cultural dynamics of growing up gay in the South. Through engaging interviews, stunning drag performances, and candid reflections, "Dixie Queen" reveals the challenges and triumphs faced by Southern drag queens, providing a nuanced perspective on gay life and culture in a region often associated with conservative values.
At the center of "Dixie Queen" is Tara Nicole, a self-proclaimed "Bitch Goddess of the Port City." Tara's journey from a small-town farm boy to a celebrated drag performer is both inspiring and relatable. The documentary chronicles her transformation, delving into her early experiences growing up in a rural environment where societal norms often dictate rigid gender roles.
Tara's story is emblematic of many LGBTQ+ individuals who grapple with their identities in less accepting spaces. Daniels captures the essence of Tara's character, showcasing her humor, resilience, and determination to express herself fully through the art of drag. Through Tara, viewers are introduced to the broader world of Southern drag culture, which is characterized by both flamboyance and the harsh realities of life in a region where homophobia can be prevalent.
2004,
Drag Queen,
English,
Tara Nicole,
USA,
Director: Katherine Delaney
Release Year: 2006
Synopsis:
Charmed Life (2006), directed by Katherine Delaney, is a documentary that captures the vibrant and often misunderstood world of drag performers, offering an intimate look into the artistry, skill, and resilience required to transcend gender and challenge societal norms. Through moving interviews with figures like Dwayne Cooper, Keith Levy, Daniel T. 'Sweetie' Boothe, and others, the documentary explores the personal and political dimensions of drag performance, underscoring the deep connection between art, identity, and resistance. At the heart of this documentary is a central question that continues to echo in the minds of both performers and viewers: what is so controversial about a man in a dress?
From the very first scenes, Charmed Life emphasizes that drag is not merely a performance for entertainment but a complex art form that requires a unique set of skills, from makeup artistry and costume design to dance, comedic timing, and emotional depth. The documentary introduces its audience to drag queens who have made their mark not only by embodying femininity but by transforming it into something bold and transformative. As one of the queens in the film aptly puts it, “Any clown can put on a dress, but they’re not going to be around for a long time.” This statement speaks to the core of the documentary’s message—that drag is an art form rooted in mastery and technique, not just surface-level appearance. Drag queens such as Dwayne Cooper, Keith Levy, and Daniel T. Boothe are featured in candid interviews, reflecting on the commitment it takes to perform drag in a way that transcends mere mimicry, instead challenging societal norms and making a lasting impact.
2006,
Daniel T. 'Sweetie' Boothe,
Drag Queen,
Dwayne Cooper,
English,
Keith Levy,
Directors: Ron Davis & Stewart Halpern
Release Year: 2008
Synopsis:
In 2008, directors Ron Davis and Stewart Halpern-Fingerhut released Pageant, a documentary that took audiences behind the scenes of the 34th Miss Gay America contest, held in 2004. This film provides a rare, candid look at a high-stakes drag competition, showcasing the personalities and passions of the contestants as they prepare to vie for the prestigious title. While the film celebrates the glitz and glamour of the event, it also delves deeper into the universal desires for beauty, recognition, and belonging that drive its participants. Pageant is not just a documentary about drag performance; it is a nuanced exploration of the complexities of identity, competition, and human ambition.
At its core, Pageant revolves around the contestants’ deep desire to be seen, celebrated, and chosen. While the backdrop is a drag beauty pageant, the film taps into themes that are deeply human, transcending the specific context of the LGBTQ+ community. The contestants come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a mix of motivations—from the thrill of performance to the pursuit of validation and recognition within a subculture that often faces societal marginalization.
2008,
Drag Queen,
English,
USA,
Director: Dan Sickle & Antonio Santini
Release Year: 2014
Synopsis:
Released in 2012, Mala Mala is a documentary that takes us on an intimate journey into the lives of transgender individuals in Puerto Rico. Directed by Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles, the film explores themes of identity, gender, sexuality, and the struggles of being a part of a community that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Although neither Santini nor Sickles identify as transgender, the filmmakers were captivated by the lives of those in Puerto Rico’s vibrant transgender and drag queen communities and set out to tell their stories. The result is a poignant, thought-provoking exploration of personal transformation, social acceptance, and the fight for equality.
Sickles and Santini’s venture into the transgender community began serendipitously. The pair met during their studies at New York University, and their paths crossed again at a film festival in Austin, Texas, where they encountered a drag queen who would alter the course of their filmmaking careers. This drag queen opened up about her life, her struggles, and the complexities of gender and identity, igniting a spark in Santini and Sickles. They felt a deep connection to the universal human desire to define oneself and to achieve one's goals despite social or biological constraints.
“It is universally related to human desires, how we all aspire to be certain things in our life, and if there is a road or a way of achieving those goals,” Sickles reflected in an interview. “They use and employ these methods as a means to achieve those things.” This sentiment became the foundation of their documentary: a way of exploring how individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities, navigate and define their own identities.
2014,
Drag Queen,
English,
Puerto Rico,
Samantha Close,
Spanish,
Director: Barry Shils
Release Year: 1995
Synopsis:
In 1995, director Barry Shils captured the vibrant, flamboyant world of New York City's annual drag festival in Wigstock: The Movie. The documentary, which provides an insider's look at the 1994 edition of the Wigstock festival, not only showcases the electrifying performances that made the event legendary but also explores the deeper cultural significance of drag and gender expression. As a historical document of an iconic moment in queer culture, Wigstock: The Movie remains a fascinating and essential viewing experience for anyone interested in the intersection of art, identity, and performance.
Wigstock, which began in 1984 as an impromptu drag gathering in the East Village of Manhattan, quickly grew into one of the most celebrated drag festivals in the world. For a decade, it served as both a riotous celebration of queer culture and a vibrant platform for drag artists to showcase their talents. The festival's name, a playful fusion of "wig" (a key drag accessory) and " Woodstock" (the legendary 1969 music festival), encapsulated its ethos of flamboyance, creativity, and freedom of expression.
By the time of the 1994 festival, Wigstock had become a cornerstone of the New York City drag scene, attracting a broad and diverse crowd from across the city and beyond. The event was known for its performances, which blended music, fashion, and irreverence with political subtext, all while maintaining an unapologetically transgressive spirit. Wigstock: The Movie captures this energy, offering a snapshot of a moment in time when drag and queer performance were gaining mainstream visibility but still operated on the fringes of popular culture.
1995,
Alexis Arquette,
Drag Queen,
English,
USA,
Producer: Michelle Lawler
Release Year: 2009
Synopsis:
"Forever’s Gonna Start Tonight" (2009), directed by Michelle Lawler, is more than just a documentary—it is a heartfelt celebration of the extraordinary life and career of Vicki Marlane, America's oldest professional transgender drag entertainer. A living legend in the San Francisco drag scene, Marlane's journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering passion for performance.
The film explores her transformation from a young man named Donald Sterger, born in Crookston, Minnesota, to the beloved diva and icon known to generations of fans as Vicki Marlane, or as her admirers affectionately called her, "The Lady with the Liquid Spine."
The documentary delves into the heart of the theme that creative expression is a powerful tool for overcoming life’s greatest challenges—whether they are biological, social, personal, or economic. Marlane's life is a testament to how artistic expression, when pursued with dedication and fervor, can transcend societal limitations and enable individuals to navigate obstacles that seem insurmountable.
2009,
Drag Queen,
English,
USA,
Vicki Marlane,
