Kings, Queens & In-Betweens

The city of Columbus is an odd liberal pocket positioned at the center of the conservative state of Ohio. Columbus has a thriving LGBTQ community with five drag venues situated in the progressive area near the Ohio State University campus and downtown. Here, gay and queer identity is celebrated and drag performers work nightly before large, enthusiastic crowds. Filmmaker Gabrielle Burton's Kings, Queens & In-Betweens follows several drag queens and kings, as well as transgender and straight performers who occupy this world. The subjects range from performers who are well established in Columbus's nightlife to rookies who are still getting their feet wet. Despite the variable skill set, performers accept and love each other, creating a tight-knit group who depend upon each other for support and care. For many, the drag scene has become a surrogate family, providing strength for those rejected by friends, family, or society due to their sexual orientation or gender. The personal stories provide the documentary's emotional core, but its the performance and backstage footage that bring the film to life. The drag shows are campy, sexual, and riotous, but also smart, charged, and political—a musical voice that spotlights and often skewers the world outside of the drag clubs' doors. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Morehart)