At long last, The Queens is ready for its close-up — and it’s streaming NOW, right here on the home page of our website! Click here to rent the film, buy it, or buy with bonus features! And watch the official trailer for The Queens here!
Part Paris is Burning and Pose, part RuPaul’s Drag Race and part Miss America, The Queens explores the transgender subculture of competitive female impersonation. Along the way, this feature-length documentary delves into the fascinating history of Chicago’s iconic female illusion show lounge, The Baton (now in its 50th year), and the club’s legendary offspring, the Miss Continental beauty pageant (an annual competition that has drawn transgender contestants from around the globe since 1980). The entertainers immersed in this glamorous, close-knit community share the highs and lows of their lives as they compete for the coveted crown.
The director of The Queens, Mark Saxenmeyer, tells all about the film’s nine-year journey to worldwide release here.
“The Queens serves as a cultural touchstone that is educational, emotional, and deeply entertaining…The documentary dives deep into what these women experience on and offstage, and refuses to see them as a monolith.” –Cody Corrall/Chicago Reader
“Put The Queens up there with Paris is Burning and Pose.” –OUT Magazine
“Showcasing the vital role of pageants in the lives of some transgender, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary people…The documentary shows the power of the pageant as well as the cutthroat competition behind the scenes.” –Daniel Reynolds/The Advocate
“All that glitters isn’t GLAAD. The Queens tackles some tough subject matters, going beyond the velvet ropes to investigate what binds us together as a community…Director Mark Saxenmeyer delves thoughtfully and thoroughly into the theme of alienation.” –Kevin Perry/Rage Magazine (Southern California)
““If you liked The Queen, you’ll love The Queens! A deep dive into a hugely important pageant…Captures a lot of soon-to-be famous queens on their way up.” –Matthew Rettenmund/Boy Culture
“There’s glitz, glamour, and lots of drama thrown in for the battle of the crown. Amazing (and) very ambitious. I absolutely loved The Queens.” —Chiffon Dior/WERRRK.com
“The Queens is a joy ride, presented with gritty vibrancy, showbiz pizzazz, and erotic splendor…this documentary entertains, informs, and ignites the imagination. The lines between male and female are sculpted into new forms…we witness artists in process with purpose. They glory in the unfolding transformation, sometimes at great sacrifice and expense.” —John Townsend/Lavender Magazine (Minneapolis)
“I was mesmerized by The Queens. I gained so much insight into the lives of these performers as they shared their deeply person and sometimes not-so-flattering stories.” —Ellen Miller/Co-Host of Out Chicago on WCPT 820- AM
“A solid story in terms of trans hardships and acceptance.”—Alex Nagy/Philadelphia Weekly
“There are clips from almost 40 years of pageants and interviews with contestants…a lot of good material.”–-Steve Warren/Georgia Voice
“It’s a powerful story of a fascinating slice of queer history.”–-Roger Walker-Dack/QueerGuru
“A fascinating, very complex subject…a really important opportunity for people in this subculture to present themselves to the world.” –Conrad Browne/Joy 94.9 (Melbourne, Australia)
“Some people see these performers all dressed up and might dismiss them as frivolous but The Queens also brings fabulous historical content to subjects like violence against trans women, addiction, sex work and HIV/AIDS.” –Scott Duff/Co-Host of Out Chicago on WCPT 820 AM
The Queens, as featured by PopularPublicityNYC
The Queens Clip #1: What is Miss Continental?
The Queens Clip #2: Gabby Prepares Her Talent Number
The Queens Clip #3: Reflections from Miss Continental 1985 Maya Douglas
The Queens Clip #4: The Trouble with Boyfriends
The Queens Clip #5: Backstage Sabotage at the Miss Continental Pageant?
The Queens has screened at film festivals in New York City (Festival of Cinema NYC –where it was nominated for Best Documentary); Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Documentary Film Festival); Belgrade, Serbia (Merlinka International Queer Film Fest, where it was also nominated for Best Documentary); Chicago (Reeling, where it was named “Documentary Centerpiece”); Atlanta (Out on Film); Palm Springs (Cinema Diverse); Sheffield, England (Transforming Cinema); Ramsgate, England (Ramsgate International TV and Film Festival); Philadelphia (qFLIX); New Mexico (BorderScene); and Valencia, Spain (South Europe International Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Feature Documentary Director, Best Feature Documentary Cinematography and Best Feature Documentary). The Queens has also been shown in theaters and at events in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Portland, Seattle, Tulsa, Lubbock and Iowa City.
As society grapples with issues of transgender acceptance and understanding, The Queens takes viewers out of the politics and onto the stage with an exclusive look inside the first beauty pageant to ever allow transgender female impersonators to participate. Born out of discrimination, the Miss Continental Pageant is now one of the longest running and most prestigious contests of its kind in the United States, attracting competitors from around the globe.
The Queens humanizes and demystifies this group of often-misunderstood individuals; they’re fiercely determined, strikingly imaginative and possess jaw-dropping talent. The Queens will have you cheering for the creative spirit that lives within us all!
Using the framework of the 40-year-old Miss Continental pageant as its backdrop, The Queens explores this complex and relatively unknown subculture of transgender life. The documentary attempts to help viewers understand why these pageant competitors are so wildly driven and dedicated in their quest for the crown –a title most people have never even heard of, despite Miss Continental’s longevity and prestige within the female impersonation world.
We follow the journeys of several contestants as they diligently plan, prepare and plot their paths to victory. Along the way, we meet several former titleholders, as well as some who have repeatedly competed in the pageant but never left victorious (and are perhaps a bit bitter).
But the documentary focuses on more than just the competition. We delve into the whys and hows and dangers of the physical alterations many competitors have made to their outer bodies (silicone injections, breast implants, facial reconstruction, etc.), their inner bodies (hormone therapies), and their decisions to refrain from following through with gender confirmation surgery. Some do so in order to conform with Miss Continental’s strict (and some say archaic) rules defining what constitutes a female impersonator — rules that determine who is, and isn’t, eligible to compete and perform.
We also talk with female impersonators who live their lives as men outside the pageant and performance world, and the occasional tensions between them and those who’ve been surgically enhanced.
We examine the difficulty many transgender female impersonators have finding true and lasting romantic relationships. We address the rejection many have experienced from family, as well as society’s changing opinions about the acceptance of transgender individuals in general today.
Because Miss Continental is so closely linked to Chicago’s legendary female impersonation nightclub, The Baton, (Jim Flint created and owns them both), we take a side trip deep inside this iconic, 50-year-old show lounge. We dig into its storied history, and meet the permanent cast, many of whom are former Miss Continental title-holders themselves. We learn why, for many, The Baton is the holy grail of female impersonation, and why many new Continental pageant winners hope their victories will lead to permanent employment at The Baton as well.
We reveal the shadier and sadder parts of The Baton’s past mob and police pay-offs to stay open, drugs, prostitution, AIDS, crime, tragic accidents, and even murder. Several former Baton performers (and Miss Continentals) have met horrible, haunting deaths.
Returning to Continental, we get to the bottom of why winning this crown means so much to those in pursuit of the title, why they see it as a stepping stone to greater fame, fortune and success, and — yes — how it’s also a cut-throat competition where occasional acts of sabotage have been known to take place.
You’ll be awestruck by the amount of time and money spent (on makeup, costumes, wigs, backup dancers and more) to win this crown. The contestants shimmer and seduce, titillate and twirl. The glitz, the glamour, the talent and the beauty on display here rival the Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants (and some say put them to shame)!
With thousands in the audience cheering, there are tears of joy for those who perform well under the Miss Continental stage lights; when the show ends, there are tears of heartbreak in the shadows for those who find victory to be elusive.
To some outsiders, and the uninformed, the dolled-up, lip-synched routines at both Miss Continental and The Baton might seem frivolous, perhaps even pointless, after a few viewings. But The Queens will show you why creating this illusion and this mystique are a way of life for these performers, as well as thousands of others just like them (and their devoted fans) across the United States and the world.
Year after year, decade after decade, the show simply must go on.
(Left) At the Chicago premiere party and screening of The Queens (held at the Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club on January 25, 2018), Sunny Dee-Lite performs for the crowd. Sunny is profiled in the film. (Right) Reporters Inc. advisory committee member Nancy Pender, president Mark Saxenmeyer and secretary Benee Smith celebrate at the event.
(Left) Also at The Queens Chicago premiere party, lead cinematographers Larry Collins and Chris Davis watch the film for the first time. (Right) Naysha Lopez (also profiled in the film) attends the Chicago event with Daniel Fitzgerald.
(Left) Bill Henkin attends the Chicago premiere party with Kelly Lauren, Miss Continental 1988. (Right) Tiffany T. Hunter (also profiled in The Queens) answers audience questions following the Minneapolis screening (held at Honey at Ginger Hop on February 8, 2018).
(Left) Nikki Vixxen, Rick Olson and Bryan Vasquez attend the Minneapolis premiere (Nikki and Bryan appear in the film). (Right) Calley Bliss performs her original composition “All Mine” at the Minneapolis event. The song is featured in The Queens.
(Left) Country Yasmineh, along with Rob Genadek, performs her song “Pretty Kitty” at the Minneapolis event. (Right) Leora Levitt and Marvel Levitt accompany Gloria Iacono on her song “Better” at the Minneapolis premiere party. Both original songs are featured in The Queens.
COMMENTS
59 people commented on "The Queens"
Feel free to join the conversation and leave a comment as well.
Darryl Mckinnon says:
Oh I can’t wait for this to be viewed will it be on did to purchase?
admin says:
Darryl, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Randy Munger says:
Can’t wait to see this. It looks like it will address many of the issues, i.e. those who do female impersonation but live as males versus those who live as females and take the hormones, have breast implants etc. It’s always been a topic of conversation in the community. No shade thrown here but it will be interesting to hear the opinions….
admin says:
Randy, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Jeni'a Rochelle says:
Can not wait
admin says:
Jeni’a, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
John Lyons says:
So glad to see this!!! I cannot wait to be able to watch it and relate to it. Several people in this world show watch the dedication it takes to be a Queen!!!
admin says:
John, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Darryl Mckinnon says:
Please email blast or alert when this is ready for purchase
I can’t wait I’ve been going to Continental since 1985 !!!
Looks brilliantly done
admin says:
Darryl, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Tyese Rainz says:
I Can Not Wait for this to be released! Finally a classy documentary of what it is truly like behind a pageant! It’s not all just glits and glam! It truly is work! Kudos to your team! I’m Excited!!!
admin says:
Tyese, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Iggy says:
Please keep me inform of the release of the documentary.
Thank you,
Iggy
admin says:
Iggy, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Mark Repicky says:
Very interested of being notified in advance when this quality film will be presented as well as the dates so we can all make plans….It appears to be “real” and exciting!
admin says:
Mark, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
David says:
Please let us know when this is available
admin says:
David, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Charles Abrahamson says:
Please advise me when or where I can purchase the movie The Queens. Thank you very much
Charles Abrahamson
admin says:
Charles, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Cindy sanders says:
Please let me know when this will be available
admin says:
Cindy, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Ryan Caldwell says:
I also would like to be informed on where and when I can find this documentary…..?
admin says:
Ryan, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Matt says:
Is this documentary going to be released?
admin says:
Matt, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Jacob Chandler says:
When are where can I watch this/
admin says:
Jacob, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Bill Michel says:
Come to Orlando!
admin says:
Bill, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Glady Bennet (aka ALLISON) says:
Hey Mark,
I am already signed up to receive your mailing and enjoy them. I responded to the invite (that I hope I am healed in time to make the drive from NY) I will make sure I am following The Queens page (I read all the comments, so I would not ask u something if u answered it already….and you basically did.
I will check in as time gets closer, as I am signed up everywhere.
I am looking forward to seeing this. I am really interested in things that are different, have a message, and the possibility of sending a ripple effect.
Allison
admin says:
Glady, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Lisa Marchese says:
Beyond excited for this! I?ve been going to the Baton for over 20 years and love it more every time I go!!! Will purchase as soon as it?s available!!!
admin says:
Lisa, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
David Montalvo says:
Will THE QUEENS be coming to NYC? If so, please let me know.
Thank you and good luck !
David
admin says:
David, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Herman says:
I’m looking forward to seeing this. Can’t wait to purchase. Please inform when available
admin says:
Herman, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Ericka Taylor says:
Looking forward to seeing this
admin says:
Ericka, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Orlando Colon says:
Please Boston is waiting for this documentary
admin says:
Orlando, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Phillip Harper says:
Is this available on Netflix or dvd?
admin says:
Phillip, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
A. C. Kerr says:
I currently live in Monterey, CA, and would love to see this film. I grew up outside of Milwaukee, and was always surrounded by the Female Impersonators there. Many of them lived their lives as women and I had so much respect for their courage, and dedication to their work. There were definitely a glorious group of Artists behind the nightclub scene, but a darker side to this Community as well.The Baton show lounge was always a highlight when visiting Chicago.Without reservation, I idolized Mimi Marks, whom I got to know very well while she performed at various clubs in Milwaukee, before she became a major celebrity after winning Miss Continental 1992-1993. Her Bob Mackie evening gown runway was very likely the most stunning in Continental history!! I would love to see a screening of this film, or purchase a copy when the DVD becomes available. Please keep me posted.
Thanks, and congratulations on the success of this Documentary.
admin says:
A.C., “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Ken Bowden says:
Wish I knew when the film was coming to the Boston area.
admin says:
Ken, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Henry Gonzales says:
Can’t wait to see the whole movie!
admin says:
Henry, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Nat Rosa says:
Dear Mark,
I came across The Queens on the Melbourne Documentary FF website and thought it looked like a compelling and insightful story.
I wanted to reach out to see whether you might be looking for global sales and distributions partners. Journeyman Pictures is one of the UK’s leading global documentary distributors and sales agents. With over 25 years of experience in the global factual market, we have strong relationships with major broadcasters, theatre chains, digital platforms and educational institutions across the world. We have one of the most far-reaching promotional engines of any global distributor and, as an aggregator as well as a distributor, our films are also directly licensed by Amazon, Apple and Google.
It would be great to be able to take a look at a screening link for the film. Are you able to share one with us?
I look forward to hearing from you and continuing the conversation!
Best wishes,
Nat Rosa
admin says:
Nat, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Toney Micheli says:
When will the movie be released
admin says:
Toney, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Joan Treppa says:
I was aware of this film and had been to a screening in Minneapolis. It was an honor to also meet some of the contestants featured. I found the overall film to be quite insightful and entertaining. For those who think they would not be particularly interested in this subject matter, I recommend you reconsider. This film does not disappoint.
admin says:
Charles, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
admin says:
Robert, “The Queens” is now available for streaming rentals and purchases, right here at thereporters.org!
Robert Blossom says:
Will this ever b available to purchase on DVD? Sent several messages and never get a reply
admin says:
There are no plans to release it on DVD currently.