As a director, author, raconteur and stand-up comedian, John Waters has made an indelible mark on American culture in all its trashiness and glory.<\/p>\n
So who better to be this year\u2019s honoree at the Unleashed LGBTQ+ Festival in Dallas? Founded in 2021 by activist Wesley Smoot as a kind of \u201cGay SXSW,\u201d the event has held one virtual and three live editions. With past participants ranging from stars of Queer Eye and Pose to industry experts, there\u2019s no denying Waters is one of the biggest guests to grace the festival\u2019s stage, and he\u2019s thrilled to be coming.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the perfect title for me,\u201d he says of the event\u2019s name, \u201cbecause I\u2019m fully unleashed. … They might come drop a net on all of us that night!\u201d<\/p>\n
As usual, Waters is joking, but during a Sept. 19 ceremony for a Lifetime Achievement Award, he will no doubt tackle serious topics with his trademark wit. After all, this is a man who has pushed against societal norms since the beginning of his career and been rewarded \u2014 if not with Oscars, at least Criterion film releases and an Academy Museum of Motion Pictures exhibition. A big reason why is his ability to milk even the most sacred cows, including in movies such as Pink Flamingos and Hairspray.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my stand-up, I have a lot of what I call funny terrorism,\u201d he says. \u201cLike what the yippies did in the \u201960s. … I\u2019m not a separatist \u2014 I read The Wall Street Journal to read what smart people think and the New York Post to read what dumb people think. You have to have a dialogue and keep making jokes \u2014 you\u2019ve got to do a joyous rebellion no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n
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