Three Ukrainian drag queens – Marlene, Monroe, and Aura – choose to remain in their war-torn country, fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion amid Russiaʼs invasion. Spanning from the 2014 Maidan Revolution to spring 2024, their story blends the glamour of drag with the brutality of war. Marlene, a beloved drag icon, hides a vulnerable side as Alexander, grappling with trauma and family obligations. Monroe, a popular influencer, navigates her evolving gender identity while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Aura, determined to fight for inclusion in both the military and society, balances the chaos of war with her love for drag. A charity drag show becomes a powerful moment of unity and resilience. The protagonists’ complex personalities are revealed gradually along with their doubts and struggles. Yet these do not stand in the way of celebrating life. On the contrary, it is in difficult moments that the strength and courage of those who choose to face adversity shine through. The film is a story of self-discovery, love, hope, and the power to find joy even in the darkest of times. The film Queens of Joy was nominated for the Golden Alexander in the Newcomers Competition section at the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival 2025 (Greece).