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Deep Dive: Workhorse Queen (2021)

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Workhorse Queen
Workhorse Queen is a documentary that follows Ed Popil, a 47-year-old telemarketing manager who transforms into drag queen Mrs. Kasha Davis after being cast on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2015. The film captures Ed's transition from a conventional job to a full-time performer, showcasing his life in the Rochester drag community and the impact of mainstream television on queer performance culture. It also addresses the divide between drag performers who have appeared on television and those who have not. The narrative includes Ed's struggles with alcoholism, declining bookings, and ageism in the entertainment industry. The film culminates with Ed returning to Rochester to create Imagination Station, a variety show for children, aiming to be the queer role model he lacked in his youth. The documentary features performances and interviews with other drag queens and Ed's husband, Steven Levins, providing a comprehensive view of the drag scene and its challenges.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Ed Popil, aka Mrs. Kasha Davis, a drag queen from Rochester.
  • •See the impact of reality TV on queer performance culture.
  • •Follow Ed's struggles with ageism and alcoholism in the industry.

Did You Know

•Ed Popil sent audition tapes for 7 years before being cast on Drag Race.
•The film premiered at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival.
•Workhorse Queen has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
•Ed created Imagination Station to be a queer role model for kids.
•The film received the Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature at the Buffalo International Film Festival.

Perfect For

RuPaul's Drag Race fansLGBTQ+ representationDocumentary enthusiasts