Queens at Heart

This rare archival short film follows four courageous pre-Stonewall trans women as they open up about their lives, including living as men during the day and presenting as women at night. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of a drag ball, "Queens at Heart" offers an intimate look at the experiences of these pioneering women, who were subjected to scrutiny by dubious experts and yet still found ways to express themselves and find community. The film is both a documentary and exploitation work, with a tone that has been described as prurient, dismissive, and nonjudgmental. Despite its problematic aspects, "Queens at Heart" remains an important and valuable resource for understanding the lives of trans women in the pre-Stonewall era.