Excellence in Photojournalism, Photo Story

Laurel Chor, “Kyiv Drag Queens,” Huffington Post

ABOUT THE WORK: In this Kyiv underground club, drag queens defy war with glittering resilience. Their performances, a silent protest against Putin's aggression, provide a haven where the war's grim reality fades. The club, pulsating with unity and rebellion, becomes an oasis of laughter and dance, defying the curfew's reminder of conflict outside.

Arthur Ozerov, aka Aura, personifies this defiance. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Arthur immediately volunteered for the military administration. His journey from handcrafting coffins for Bucha victims to embracing his gay identity symbolizes a broader societal shift towards LGBT acceptance in Ukraine. His story, interwoven with the drag show, highlights Ukraine's commitment to European values of freedom and respect.

This photo story captures more than a drag show; it's a powerful narrative of a nation's struggle and hope, illustrating the role of art as resistance and the indomitable spirit of a community standing tall against adversity.

Laurel Chor is a Hong Kong photographer, journalist and filmmaker.

Judges’ comments: “At first glance, it was a surprise to see a uniformed soldier opening the following set of photographs that one expects in SF or NYC; not in wartime Ukraine. The photographer handled the story with sensitivity and was able to earn the trust of the ‘drag queen’ soldiers. It was well thought out and the images edited and presented showed a ‘classic’ picture story with a beginning, middle, and an ending.”

Honorable mention: Alex Wong, “Pro-Palestinian Protests,” Getty Images

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