Shy and reserved Myles steps out of his comfort zone and onto the stage, where he discovers self-expression, confidence, and community through his debut in Science is a Drag.

entering
festivals
2027


SYNOPSIS // After trading their nitrile gloves for press-on nails and arming themselves with layers of makeup and glitter, performers take their first ever step onto a stage at Science is a Drag. This is the place where everyone can truly be themselves. No more code-switching under the fluorescent lights of the lab. The audience gets the lingo, the nuance, and the subtext; it’s science through a queer lens.

This documentary goes behind the scenes of the flagship 2025 Toronto show to follow Myles, a shy and reserved newcomer preparing for his drag debut as Gemma Demure. Myles has always wanted to be on stage, but taking up space does not come easily to him. Over a handful of rehearsals leading up to show night, the Science is a Drag community gathers around him to help him come out of his shell. Seasoned performers like Kyne and Rawbyn Diamonds teach him makeup, movement, and how to find his character. Alongside Myles is Charlie, a theatre kid who loves the spotlight and has his family and partner in the crowd. Charlie's ease is a quiet contrast to Myles, who has not told his parents he is performing in drag.

On show day, the room fills with hairspray, nerves and excitement as Gemma Demure claims her moment.

Myles Matundan

Key Subject

Myles is a scientist with a Masters in Plant Molecular Biology. He researched the genetics of seed coat development to understand more about this vital part of Earth’s ecosystems. He wanted to take to the Science is a Drag stage to, in his words, “share the accomplishments of seeds like they’re his favourite child.”

Myles debuted his drag persona, Gemma Demure, on the Science is a Drag stage in 2025. While he is out and proud and his family knows he’s gay, doing drag was a whole new challenge for the shy scientist. In SCIENCE IS A DRAG: A DOCUMENTARY, we follow his journey to Gemma, which involved coming out of his shell and embracing a side of himself he never thought he could show the rest of the world.

featuring appearances from…

Kyne Santos is a math communicator, author, keynote speaker, mathematics graduate student, and world renowned drag queen. Kyne appeared on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race and spreads his passion for math to an audience of over 2 million followers online.

Kyne is seen throughout the documentary offering guidance and support to help Myles cultivate Gemma Demure’s creative expression.

Kyne Santos

Dr. Shawn Hercules, PhD aka Rawbyn Diamonds is a clinical epidemiologist with expertise in molecular cancer biology and health equity. Originally from Barbados, Shawn did not fully embrace his queer identity but now lives and performs in Toronto as a fabulous drag queen.

Rawbyn is the head of drag at Science is a Drag, and is seen throughout the documentary mentoring Myles.

Rawbyn Diamonds

Dr. Samantha Yammine is a renowned neuroscientist and science communicator better known as Science Sam.

She is the Co-Founder and Chair of the nonprofit, Science is a Drag, and co-Producer on the documentary, where she is seen throughout supporting the performers and helping them make their research engaging.

Dr. Samantha Yammine, PhD

key creatives