SWANN QUEEN

Swann Queen is a short film inspired by a historic drag ball thrown in 1880 by William Dorsey Swann, a former enslaved Black drag queen in Washington, D.C. The film dramatizes the night of celebration and defiance, as Swann’s lavish gathering is raided by the police, who seek to suppress the freedom and expression of the Black queer community. Written, produced, and directed by L. Miller, the film stars Pussy Noir as the Queen and Molasses, who bring powerful performances to this pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. Through a blend of visual storytelling and period drama, Swann Queen highlights the resilience of marginalized communities in the face of oppression. This evocative short honors the legacy of Swann and his revolutionary role in the fight for queer rights and visibility.