Gena Marvin Against The Oppressors

In an earlier Raandoom feature about LGBTQAI+ media, we highlighted a documentary called “Queendom.” Now, let’s explore this documentary further, placing emphasis on the courageous young artist responsible for its creation.

“Queendom” poster. Poster by Boris Camaca. 

Gena Marvin, a 21-year-old non-binary drag artist, utilizes her art as a means to combat Russian oppression. Hailing from the small town of Magadan in the far east of Russia, Marvin has endured intense bullying, torment, hatred, and homophobia, serving as the primary inspiration for her surreal drag performances and activism. In the face of adversity, Marvin has emerged as a notable figure, navigating both the world of drag and advocacy. Born into challenging circumstances, following the loss of her parents, Marvin was raised by her grandparents, who did not support her aspirations. Despite grappling with an unsupportive family, Marvin draws strength from the adversity she has faced. In an interview with i-D, she shared insights into her relationship with her grandparents, particularly her grandfather, who wanted her to follow a ‘normal’ life involving military service, work in the fishing industry, and settling down. Undeterred by familial expectations, Marvin sought solace and inspiration in the works of legendary artists like Leigh Bowery and Amanda Lepore, starting her journey as a drag performer. Marvin moved out of the small town to St. Petersburg in 2019, and later to Moscow in 2021, where she enrolled in a local makeup school. Here, her activism was further fueled by the opposition protests against the current Russian leaders, where she also performed. However, one year later, she relocated to Paris as a war refugee. Although she has now moved to a much safer place, fear still prevails; she stated, “I don't feel the same fear in France, but I am still on edge because once you've been accustomed to fear, you never totally lose it.”

Marvin for i-D. Photography Nicolas Lado.

In 2019, Marvin made a pivotal move from her small town to St. Petersburg, and in 2021, she further relocated to Moscow and attended a local makeup school. In Moscow, her activism gained momentum, particularly during opposition protests against the current Russian leaders, where she participated in performances. However, a year later, facing potential imprisonment, she once again relocated, this time seeking refuge in Paris as a war refugee. Despite finding herself in a much safer environment in Paris, the fear continues to linger. Reflecting on her experiences, Marvin expressed, “I don't feel the same fear in France, but I am still on edge because once you've been accustomed to fear, you never totally lose it.” From the start of her career, Marvin infused surreal elements into her artistic expression, crafting a distinctive style characterized by post-apocalyptic and sci-fi themes, avant-garde latex costumes with long-fingered gloves, high platform heels, and intricately painted faces. A significant aspect of her artistic vision revolves around eliciting reactions from those around her, creating an atmosphere of shock. Despite her familiarity with public performances, Marvin often opts to showcase her work on social media platforms. This choice stems from the challenges she faces due to Russia’s ban on “Gay Propaganda,” a restrictive policy targeting the freedom and safety of LGBTQAI+ individuals. Marvin openly addresses this issue, turning it into a central theme in her art. In Russia, Marvin used her art as a means of resistance against oppression. One notable performance that garnered attention involved her wrapping her body in tricolor duct tape, mirroring the colors of the Russian flag. This visually provocative act aimed to evoke contemplation on the absence of freedom in her homeland, portraying it as “a country where there is no freedom and where the freedom of my body was not permitted.” Several months after her relocation to Paris, Marvin boldly participated in the Paris Pride March, adorned with rainbow-colored tape, symbolizing a stark contrast to the constraints she had previously faced.

Marvin in Red Square in “Queendom”.

Inspired by the impactful work of Gena Marvin, Russian director Agniia Galdanova embarked on the creation of a documentary on Marvin’s life and artistic journey. That is how “Queendom” was created. “Queendom” is a groundbreaking documentary that made its debut at the SXSW Film Festival in March of this year. The film serves as a courageous and radical protest against oppression. In explaining her motivation for the project, Galdanova shared, “I was looking to create a series about drag artists across Russia and heard about a drag queen from Magadan. [...] That combination was very unusual. Magadan is the last place in Russia where I would imagine drag existed. When I met Gena, I knew I didn’t need other protagonists. Gena is the most free person I have ever met coming from such an unfree place,” underscoring the unique and powerful narrative that Gena Marvin brings to the forefront of the documentary. The impact of anti-LGBT policies is visible in Gena Marvin’s artistic journey. The duct tape performance, previously mentioned, served as a pivotal catalyst for both her artistry and the creation of the documentary. Marvin has shared her apprehension and fear during that particular performance, recognizing the potential for imprisonment. Despite the heightened attention and risk involved, she has been praised for her courage in standing up against the oppressive regime. In another act of protest, Marvin took to the streets of Moscow wrapped in barbed wire, a symbolic gesture against deficiency and a powerful statement opposing war. Certainly, her performances did not escape the scrutiny of the authorities, resulting in her brief arrest. To safeguard against potential lawsuits, the documentary crew took strategic measures. For instance, they ensured that Marvin’s wrists were left bare during the performance to prevent harm to the police, and the cinematographer filmed on rollerskates to both evade law enforcement and protect the recorded footage. Fearing the outcomes after the arrest, Marvin found herself compelled to seek asylum, ultimately leading her to Paris. As it is explicitly pointed out in the documentary, the role of an activist comes with a heavy price, constant life in fear and the potential burden of isolation. Probably one of the most important messages to take from this documentary is what Galdanova spoke about: “I hope that when someone from Russia or any other country where being queer is illegal watches ‘Queendom’, the film and Gena will give them the confidence to accept themselves and share their truth with the world, however dangerous it could be.” The documentary is built on fear and anger that still exist in Russia today, and it is utterly unapologetic in celebrating one's own identity. The documentary explicitly underscores the substantial cost associated with the role of an activist — a constant existence in fear and the potential burden of isolation. One of the documentary’s most crucial messages, as emphasized by Galdanova, is that it aspires to instill confidence in individuals facing adversity due to their queerness in countries where it is deemed illegal. Gena Marvin’s story, as portrayed in “Queendom,” serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to accept themselves and share their truth with the world, despite the inherent dangers. The documentary unflinchingly confronts the prevailing fear and anger in present-day Russia, and it unapologetically celebrates the importance of embracing one’s identity. By weaving together narratives of activism, fear, and unapologetic self-celebration, “Queendom” becomes not just a chronicle of Gena Marvin’s journey but a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQAI+ community in the face of oppressive circumstances.