In the small flat shared by Opal and Lana, a young queer couple living in Dundee, love is everywhere. Countless photos of them on fun outings line the walls, interspersed with colourful sketches by Lana, a talented graffiti artist. Scattered around Opal’s makeup table are beautiful wigs, with which she transforms into a glamorous drag persona at night. As trans femme, they face immense discrimination from the outside world. Within these walls, however, there is an oasis of tenderness and care.
In a media landscape that continues to sensationalise trans existence, director Mark Lyken deploys a slice-of-life visual approach. It is as if we are not merely watching Opal and Lana, but are hanging out with them as friends. Closeups and interior shots draw beauty out of the ordinary every day as the bond between the couple is captured through seemingly simple acts of affection and household chores such as cooking or washing-up. Considering that both have faced rejection from their families, these mundane gestures hold a world of meaning.
The documentary seeks to redefine not just the idea of family, but also concepts of home. In a startling scene in which Opal walks to a performance venue in full drag, the camera takes in the jeers and stares directed her way. Against such shocking displays of intolerance, queer club nights are another haven. Under the neon lights, with Lana at the DJ deck and Opal on the dancefloor, worries recede into the background as electronic beats thrum. The joyful mood of these moments further highlight the importance of safe spaces for queer people, places where the community can gather together, as one big family.
• House of Gloss is on True Story from 10 April.
