Part "Paris is Burning," 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 impersonation show lounge, The Baton, and its legendary offspring, the Miss Continental beauty pageant. The entertainers immersed in this community share the highs and lows of their lives as they compete for the coveted crown. Produced by The Reporters Inc., a 501(c)(3) journalistic production house, the event is a fundraiser; Tickets are $100 and fully tax deductible. Funds raised will help us cover post-production costs (insurance, audio sweetening, film festival fees, etc.) to launch the film into widespread distribution. The evening includes dinner and drinks, the screening of the film, a Q&A with cast and crew, and performances by entertainers featured in the film (Sunny Dee-Lite and Alexis Gabrielle “Gabby” Sherrington). The very first reviews are just in! "I was mesmerized by The Queens. I gained so much insight into the lives of these performers as they shared their deeply personal and sometimes not-so-flattering stories." -- Ellen Miller/Co-Host of "Out Chicago" on WCPT 820 AM "Some people see these performers all dressed up and might dismiss them as frivolous but The Queens also brings fabulous historical context to subjects like violence against trans women, addiction, sex work and HIV/AIDS." -- Scott Duff/Co-Host of "Out Chicago" on WCPT 820 AM
