Cross-culture love story explores secret LGBTQ+ world

Unicorns is a captivating film that explores a unique love story set in a hidden and vibrant underground world. The narrative revolves around Luke, a white, working-class mechanic, and Aysha, a South Asian Muslim drag queen. This film shines a light on the underground LGBTQ+ subculture, particularly focusing on the 'gaysian' scene, which combines elements of both gay and Asian cultures. The film's co-director, Sally El Hosaini, emphasizes that many drag queens in this community often live in secrecy, only able to express their true selves during limited hours on weekends. Many of them use stage names and have faced rejection from their families and communities. El Hosaini describes the 'gaysian' scene as a place that appears bright and glamorous on the surface, but underneath, it is a gritty and challenging environment. The film portrays the struggles of these individuals who are marginalized not only by mainstream culture but also by their own South Asian and religious communities. The love story between Luke and Aysha unfolds when Luke accidentally discovers an underground club where Aysha is performing. Their connection is immediate, culminating in a kiss that leads to a deeper exploration of their identities and the challenges they face. The film features a diverse cast, including many real-life South Asian drag queens, which adds authenticity to the portrayal of this vibrant community. Jason Patel, who plays Aysha, is not a drag queen in real life, but he brings depth to the character, showcasing the duality of Aysha's life as a shop worker by day and a dazzling performer by night. The screenplay, written by Floyd, draws from real experiences, including those of his friend, who was the first Muslim drag queen in the UK to publicly share her story. This personal connection to the material adds a layer of sincerity to the film. The filmmakers received numerous audition tapes from aspiring South Asian drag queens, many of which were deeply moving. Some individuals expressed that simply being part of a project that represents their experiences made them feel seen and validated. One audition tape was recorded in a bathroom, highlighting the lengths to which these performers go to keep their identities hidden from their families. This reinforces the film's mission to represent the 'gaysian' community, which has been largely overlooked in mainstream cinema. El Hosaini and Floyd, who are partners in both life and work, have a strong creative bond. They first met while working on a previous film, and their collaboration on Unicorns has been a labor of love that has grown alongside their family. El Hosaini, who has a Welsh mother and an Egyptian father, feels a strong connection to both her cultural backgrounds. She believes it is essential to tell stories that reflect the diversity of her experiences. Unicorns premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is now being screened in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. The film aims to challenge the narrow narratives often seen in cinema, particularly those that focus on privileged, white, middle-class experiences. Floyd expresses frustration with the lack of representation for minorities and hopes that Unicorns will help shine a light on communities that are often ignored. The film is a celebration of love, identity, and the importance of being true to oneself, encouraging viewers to embrace diversity and acceptance.