Pride 6: Priscilla, queen of the desert.

Thus we end Pride month —which does not remotely mean an end to gay / queer media blurbs!

- The adventures of Priscilla, queen of the desert. (Australia, 1994. Dir. Stephan Elliott)

Two drag queens and a trans woman set out on a trek across the Australian outback onboard a bus they’ve dubbed “Priscilla”. A journey of several harsh clashes, revelations, camaraderie, a bit of romance —and tons of fabulous costumes, lip-synching and genuinely outrageous dance routines!

Classic queer movie, as well as one of the most famous Australian films of all time. The stunning outfits are only matched by the equally spectacular scenery and the rapid-fire bitchy humor remains highly influential to this very day. For that matter, the film is a major influence on several important queer artists (and authors) worldwide. 

Certainly some things have not aged so well, as can be expected of a 90’s production —the eyebrow-raising portrayal of the Filipino burlesque dancer, for instance. Perhaps the since-outdated terms referring to trans people, though that is portrayed in a quite sympathetic matter. Or maybe the surprisingly coy romance that eventually develops between two major characters —it gives the impression that some stuff was probably left in the cutting room. 

Other parts, however, have aged extremely well —a comedy that strikes the right balance between serious and light moments. A queer film positing that the approval of straights is irrelevant —community is what truly matters in these. And a certain camaraderie born from shared struggles. 

Quite recommended all in all, preferably discussed aplenty. 

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