I highly recommend Mark Saxenmeyer's new film The Queens (2020), not to be confused with Adrienne Gruben's film of the same name (2019). Saxenmeyer's documentary focuses on the Miss Continental beauty pageant (particularly the 2011 contest) and the history of Chicago’s iconic female illusion show lounge, The Baton (now in its 50th year). Several Puerto Rican performers are featured, including Lady Catiria, Naysha Lopez, and The Queen Bee (formerly known as Queen Bee Ho), who appeared in the documentary Mala Mala. The "bonus features" include a short video on "The NEW Baton Show Lounge" in which Jim Flint (owner of The Baton, creator of the pageant, and drag persona Felicia) explains the evolution in his thought and how the contest now embraces all transgender women, including ones who have undergone gender confirmation surgery.
For an interview with the film director, listen to the Feast of Fun podcast FOF #2888 – The Queens Battle for Miss Continental with Fausto Fernós and Marc Felion.
#translocas #PuertoRico #drag #LGBTQ
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