






The first drag queen? A formerly enslaved Black man in 1880s D.C. Start there.
The art of drag represents an artistic transformation where individuals create characters by amplifying gendered traits, challenging established social norms. This practice, known for its spectacular performances, has evolved through periods of repression and acceptance. Through humor and self-mockery, drag disrupts conventions and is deeply rooted in the history of LGBT+ movements. This documentary traces the history of Drag in France and around the world, from William Dorsey Swann—a young emancipated slave considered the first drag queen—to RuPaul, Nicky Doll, and Paloma. Featuring contributions from historians, anthropologists, and sociologists specialized in drag, as well as testimonies from drag artists who are shaping or have shaped this history.
Direction
Pascal Petit balances French intellectual rigor with genuine warmth.
Editing
Seamless weave of 19th-century photos, 70s cabaret footage, TikTok queens.
Writing
Paloma's narration treats drag theory like poetry, not homework.

Director
Pascal Petit
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes