From Leo AI: The music video for Queen by Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) was released on July 17, 2014, serving as the lead single for his third studio album, Too Bright. Directed by Cody Critcheloe (of the band SSION), the video is widely recognized as a defiant "gay anthem" that confronts homophobia and "gay panic" with confidence and surreal imagery. Filmed in Kansas City, Missouri, the clip runs for approximately four minutes and features Hadreas alongside actor Brock Potucek.
The video presents a surrealist narrative described by representatives as an "alternative universe Forrest Gump and Jenny," featuring fluid genders and shifting identities. Hadreas portrays a character akin to a street hustler who embarks on a bizarre journey through various settings.
Mike Hadreas has stated that the song and video are a direct response to the "blank fear" he often sees on people's faces when he walks down the street. By embracing insults often hurled at gay people—such as being "riddled with disease" or a "heathen"—the video reclaims power. Hadreas described the intent as a reaction to those who view him as a "sea witch with penis tentacles," deciding to fully embody that feared persona. The visuals mix queer tropes, gender hacking, and fantasies to deconstruct societal fears surrounding LGBTQ+ identity. The video received critical acclaim for its boldness and artistic direction. It has been featured in documentaries regarding LGBTQ+ representation.