Dancing Queens: a woman as a drag queen?!
Nowadays, film and television are increasingly managing to sensitize modern society to the diversity of the LGBTQ scene, as in the new Netflix series Dancing Queens. In many works, the main characters belong to the seces. "Queer as Folk," "Grace & Frankie" and "Transparent" are just a few of the many examples that show how the industry has changed over time.
A popular streaming service has now produced a new film that aims to shed some more light on the world of drag queens.
The special feature of the film is that a woman pretends to be a man and then disguises herself as a woman.
What is "Dancing Queens" about?
Dylan, 23, has been through a rough patch and could use some positive experiences.
Just over a year ago, her beloved mother passed away. She shared a very special passion with her: dancing. Time and again, the two escaped from the dreary everyday life into the colorful world of rhythms and movements.
Her father, who runs a general store, is often overwhelmed by the situation and doesn't know what to do. To help her dad out, Dylan tries to help out in the store as often as she can. She also runs a small dance studio for children, which she runs with passion.
Only when the grandmother discovers a casting date on the Internet does the mood of the - until then - rather sad film lift. Dylan sets off for Gothenburg to the Storan Theater. When she wants to take part in the casting, she finds out on the spot that the date has already passed. The two ladies who tell Dylan this news persuade her to clean the store in preparation for the performance of a gay dance troupe.
The head choreographer of the dance troupe needs Dylan as an example to rehearse steps. He quickly realizes how talented the young lady is and wants her to become part of his ensemble. But how is a cis woman supposed to perform as a drag queen? After all, only men are allowed to become drag queens - apparently.
Dylan disguises himself as a man in order to become a member of the dance troupe. None of the troupe notices the bluff at first. Everyone is all the more shocked when the truth comes to light. Dylan is expelled from the troupe because she lied and - according to the rest of the members - can't relate to what it's like to go through the world as a homosexual man.
A short review of the film - is "Dancing Queens" worth it?
The film highlights the colorful life of drag queens in a very clichéd way. Actually, this is not a big problem. After all, such portrayals have long become standard, especially in connection with comedies.
Still, many will wonder how Dylan allegedly managed to pass himself off as a man. A hoodie, disguised voice and hidden hair are apparently enough to fool the troops.
This point is particularly problematic because especially men who dress as women are often pros at thinking beyond static gender boundaries. Or in other words: You should actually recognize immediately that Dylan is a woman. The handling of the truth is also rather less successful here. After all, shouldn't those who know how it feels to be excluded be more understanding after the initial shock?
Accordingly, there are several "what the heck?" moments that are not clarified in the film.
Nevertheless, it would certainly also be wrong to completely tear the work apart. The story is basically good and entertaining. Even if some viewers might lack a bit of subtlety here and there.
Conclusion: a great flick for an evening on the couch - including a discussion afterwards.
Appropriate to the post, These series stars are gay.