Iconic queer filmmaker John Waters will be in Dallas Friday, Sept. 19,
as part Unleashed LGBTQ+ 2025
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
What’s there left to say about John Waters that hasn’t already been said? Heck, he’s probably said it himself in his numerous books and touring shows.
But the fact is, he still has lots to say.
Famous for his eclectic and iconic filmography as the director of Pink Flamingos, Hairspray (the original) and Serial Mom, the queer filmmaker isn’t talking about a new movie. Nor is he hyping up a new book or tour — yet.
But he is heading to Dallas as part of this year’s Unleashed LGBTQ+.
The locally-created queer festival will host “In Conversation with John Waters” on Friday, Sept. 19, at The Warwick Melrose Hotel, 3015 Oak Lawn Ave. The event will be hosted by Dallas Museum of Art’s Brad Pritchett for Unleashed LGBTQ+.
Ahead of his visit, Waters spoke with Dallas Voice about his take on the current political climate, his notion of embracing the enemy and what he’s looking forward to the most on his Dallas visit.
Dallas Voice: You’ve spoken with us before but usually before your touring show stops here. There’s no new movie or book or show at the moment. What made you say “yes” to this event? Waters: I love the title of it. I’ve been unleashed forever. Besides, I’m a carny. I have 52 shows I do. I never stop.
Perhaps it’s more important to never stop right now with all the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment flooding politics. They may come and drop a net on us! I think it’s always been important. You know, people will ask, “Why do they have a Pride parade?” I think we need to have them. It’s essential to have them as a reminder. Events like this, parades, remind people that you’re safe here.
It depends on the political atmosphere, and right now that gives me something new to rebel against.
Sometimes, I feel at a loss with all the new laws or bans or whatever. How do you rise above that to rebel? I like the gay troublemakers. They don’t think that we have to please anybody. You, you’re probably speaking to an audience that always agrees with you. What does that get you? Being gay was fun while it was illegal. I mean, I’m glad it is legal but there was a danger that we’ve lost.
Any wisdom you can impart on just surviving all this hate and bigotry? The current administration wants you to hate them. You can’t embarrass them. When movie stars leave the country, to me, that’s just like, ‘Oh, please.’ That doesn’t change anything.
What’s the lesson to learn here? We made the enemy feel stupid and that’s why, in my opinion, we lost the election. We don’t need to do that.
We need to make them laugh; have sex with them; that will help change their minds. We don’t need to dismiss anyone. They know what’s going on and they probably don’t like it.
So pick your battles, and pick the tough ones after you’ve won one.
What’s horrifying is that this is the only president who has done everything he said he’s going to do. But he’s never gonna get rid of drag queens or gay parents. It’s a new world out there. He’ll throw a lot of shit and see what sticks, but I don’t think being gay or gay marriage will become illegal.
So you’re an optimist. I am an optimist, but it is a scary time, and I’ve lived through some scary times. I mean there are worst times than this, but I didn’t live through those. We just never have to show our fear or hate.
A lot of what this festival stands for is queer visibility, which is crucial right now. But on a lighter note, what are you looking forward to on this visit to Dallas? I want to hear different perspectives. I like to be around different people and hear what everyone has to say. I especially like hearing what they say, because my audience now was not even born when I made my last movie (A Dirty Shame in 2004). How do you like that?
For more information on Unleashed LGBTQ+ and to get tickets to the event, visit UnleashedLGBTQ.com.