Channel 4 has commissioned a controversial new documentary that promises to lift the lid on the the secretive world of Muslim drag queens in the UK. 

The Swan Films production will be fronted by actor Ian McKellen and is to be directed by Marcus Plowright. It will focus on the lives of three men, Asif Quaraishi/Asifa Lahore, 32, Imran/Zareena Khan, 28 and Ibrahim, 22, who are battling to change perceptions in the conservative Muslim community. 

A spokesman for the broadcaster said that Channel 4 was proud of the “sensitively made” film which gets to the heart of an underground community.

Asifa Lahore, the most experienced drag queen on the show, told the RTS about the 'transphobia' that his transgender community suffers in Pakistan. He said: "Things have remained the same over time and I hope the documentary pushes the debate forward and shows the community the reality of how we live our lives.”

He added: “in South Asian culture, drag is synonymous with being transgender.”

There are over 100 Muslim drag queens in this country who struggle to be accepted within the Asian community. 

Swan Films' portfolio of documentaries includes the RTS Award winning Grayson Perry: Who Are You? This looked into the lives of people in Britain, including a transgender person, who wanted to define their identity by Perry painting a portrait of them.

Lahore told the RTS that he was contacted via social media by younger gay Muslims who explained their joy that their voices will finally be heard.

McKellen co-starred in ITV’s Vicious which focused on an elderly gay couple who had been together for 50 years. He is also a co-founder of LGBT lobby group Stonewall who aim to prevent attacks on gay men, lesbians and bisexuals.