The Queens of Queen City

Cumberland, Maryland was once "The Queen City”, a hub of industry and culture in Appalachia and second only to Baltimore for the largest urban population in the state. But the story of Cumberland has paralleled that of many once-great cities throughout the Appalachian region: the gradual departure of industry and, with it, a slow descent into economic stagnation and cultural decline. But even here, flowers are growing in the cracked pavement: a queer community has banded together, created a thriving drag scene, and – against all odds - built the largest Pride movement in the region. "The Queens of Queen City” explores the courage, risks, and repercussions of openly expressing LGBTQ identities in rural, conservative America. The project charts the course of this queer community over a period of years as they struggle with loss, bigotry, and acts arson, to build an inclusive, vibrant community. As a native to Appalachia and the Cumberland region myself, I have been deeply inspired by the courage of this community and have spent the last 10 years getting to know its members, hearing their stories, and making images with them. My hope is that, in shining a light on both the struggles and joys of this community, it will inspire individuals elsewhere in rural America to embrace and express their chosen gender identities.