Texas Tech University Office of LGBTQIA and Women’s & Gender Studies proudly presents a film series, Queer Reels, Real Topics for the fall and spring semesters. Serving as an extension of the classroom, this film series merges education with entertainment about the LGBT+ community.
Films of all genres serve an important community function by affirming lives, making the invisible, visible, and educating others about the stories and histories of people. Recognizing the diversity of identities and perspectives within the LGBT+ community, the films chosen for this year's series include identity, community, prejudice, normalcy, etc.
This film screening is FREE, and open to all students and the community. Each film will be followed by a commentary and analysis discussion.
On October 11, The Queens will be screened in the SUB Matador RM, at 8pm. 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 illusion show lounge, The Baton (now in its 49th year in the same location), 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. Following the premiere, Director Mark Saxenmeyer, entertainer Tiffany T Hunter (who appears in the film), and entertainer Dena Cass (National Showgirl Supreme 2018), will take audience questions and perform live.
For more information and to check out the spring lineup, visit the Office of LGBTQIA web site at; lgbtqia.ttu.edu
CONTACT: Jody Randall, Director, Office of LGBTQIA or Tricia Earl, Program Manager, Women's & Gender Studies
