THE QUEEN (1968) – Co-Presented by Queer Diaspora!

The Philosophical Research Society and Queer Diaspora — the bi-monthly screening series programmed and hosted by filmmaker Gregorio Davila (L.A. A QUEER HISTORY, UNIDAD: GAY AND LESBIAN LATINOS UNIDOS) — proudly present the long-unseen, rediscovered classic THE QUEEN (1968)!

More than 40 years before RuPaul's Drag Race, this ground-breaking documentary about the 1967 Miss All-American Camp Beauty Pageant introduced audiences to the world of competitive drag. The film takes us backstage to kiki with the contestants as they rehearse, throw shade, and transform into their drag personas in the lead-up to the big event. Organized by LGBTQ icon and activist Flawless Sabrina, the competition boasted a star-studded panel of judges including Andy Warhol, Larry Rivers, and Terry Southern. But perhaps most memorable is an epic diatribe calling out the pageant's bias delivered by Crystal LaBeija, who would go on to form the influential House of LaBeija, heavily featured in Paris Is Burning (1990). A vibrant piece of queer history and a classic of cinema verite documentary filmmaking, The Queen can now be seen in full resplendence thanks to a new restoration from the original camera negative.

ABOUT QUEER DIASPORA

Queer Diaspora is a tri-monthly event held at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. Founded and hosted by filmmaker, Gregorio Davila, Queer Diaspora intends to showcase the rich history, culture and artistry of the international LGBT+ community, through screenings, live performances and exhibitions. All are welcome.

ABOUT GREGORIO DAVILA

Under his production company, EXOTICO FILMS., Gregorio has written, produced, edited, and directed two short films and two feature films. He made his first feature documentary in 2001 entitled Bent Fest 2001; a documentary account of a five-day music festival in Seattle that featured an all-queer band line-up. Bent Fest 2001 received critical acclaim locally and has been noted for the rare footage of Gossip, The Butchies, Traci & The Plastics, and The Chromatics in their early years.

His two short films; NANCY FROM EAST SIDE CLOVER, and JEANNE CORDOVA: BUTCHES, LIES & FEMINISM won multiple film festival awards around the world, the latter taking home the Grand Jury Prize at Outfest 2017 for BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT.

His third feature-length documentary; L.A. A QUEER HISTORY, a film showcasing the rich LGBTQ+ history of the Los Angeles area is the winner of a 2022 NETA PUBLIC MEDIA AWARD, a 2022 MIPCOM DIVERSIFY AWARD at Cannes, a TELLY AWARD, and two 2022 LOS ANGELES PRESS CLUB AWARDS.

His latest documentary feature, UNIDAD: GAY AND LESBIAN LATINOS UNIDOS , a film about the first Queer Latine organization in the country (Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos) which formed in Los Angeles in 1981, won a SILVER TELLY AWARD, and a 2024 LOS ANGELES PRESS CLUB AWARD. Both L.A. A QUEER HISTORY and UNIDAD are currently available to stream on PBS.

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and on Los Feliz Blvd after 7pm. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
• No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
• There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
• Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society