Armenia sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It’s a dynamic and fast evolving country shaped by migration, geopolitics and a new wave of international arrivals. As Yerevan seeks closer ties with the European Union and greater distance from Moscow’s orbit, the country has also become a refuge for tens of thousands of Russians who fled after the full scale invasion of Ukraine. The changes are reshaping Armenian society in unexpected ways. Many newcomers have found greater freedom to express themselves, while many Armenians still live by an unwritten social code that considers drag and queer identity taboo. Faced with stigma, police pressure, the threat of violence and, for some, rejection within their own families, drag performers have built a vibrant underground scene that refuses to be silenced. Renée Bertini and Kal Berjikian from ENTR join François Picard to take us inside a microculture of Armenia that remains hidden from much of the country itself. The upcoming documentary was produced with support from the Pulitzer Center.
Europa Monitor is a seasoned News Editor with over a decade of experience in journalism. Known for his editorial expertise and commitment to accuracy, Europa Monitor leads teams to deliver high-quality news content.
