John Waters to Headline Unleashed LGBTQ+ Dallas Event: Celebrating Queer Visibility and Resilience

The Unleashed LGBTQ+ event, a national gathering celebrating queer creativity, resilience, and leadership, will take place in Dallas from September 19 to 21, 2025. This year’s headline guest is John Waters, acclaimed filmmaker, author, and enduring queer icon. Waters’ participation as a keynote speaker and featured guest signals a renewed focus on queer visibility and the power of storytelling at a time when queer rights face heightened legislative and cultural threats across the United States .

Waters, known for his groundbreaking films such as “Pink Flamingos” and “Hairspray,” has long been a vocal advocate for queer representation and creative freedom. In an interview with the Washington Blade ahead of the Dallas event, Waters discussed the importance of spaces like Unleashed LGBTQ+ in bringing together diverse voices from across the queer spectrum. He emphasized that such gatherings are not only celebrations but also acts of resistance, providing opportunities for connection, education, and visibility at a time when queer identities are increasingly under attack .

Waters’ appearance is expected to draw attendees from across the country, including artists, activists, and allies, all seeking to engage with the event’s mission of fostering authentic queer expression. The filmmaker’s signature wit and unapologetically queer perspective offer both inspiration and solidarity to a community facing renewed hostility.

The 2025 Unleashed LGBTQ+ event comes amid a nationwide surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric. According to recent reporting, over 850 anti-queer bills have been introduced across the United States in 2025 alone, making it the most hostile legislative year for queer people in modern American history . Many of these bills directly target transgender people, restricting access to gender-affirming care, limiting participation in sports, and curtailing rights in public spaces.

Advocates and organizations warn that these legislative efforts are part of a broader attempt to erode hard-won rights and stoke moral panic around queer and trans existence. The urgency of community gatherings like Unleashed LGBTQ+ is heightened by this political climate, as they offer both refuge and a platform for coordinated activism .

A central theme of the upcoming Dallas event is the transformative role of storytelling in the fight for queer equality. Waters’ body of work exemplifies the subversive power of queer narratives to challenge norms and shift public attitudes. The event will feature panels, workshops, and performances highlighting the voices of LGBTQ+ creators, reflecting a belief that visibility and representation are essential tools in combating discrimination .

Recent years have seen a growing recognition of the importance of queer media, even as many outlets face economic challenges and shifting political pressures. A recent report highlighted by the Washington Blade points to the need for continued support of queer journalism and creative production, underscoring the role of media in documenting community victories and struggles .

Unleashed LGBTQ+ is designed not only as a forum for dialogue and learning but also as a celebration of queer joy and resilience. The Dallas event will feature social gatherings, performances, and opportunities for mutual support. Organizers emphasize the importance of creating affirming spaces where queer people can connect, heal, and strategize for the future .

The presence of John Waters at Unleashed LGBTQ+ serves as a reminder of the enduring power of queer art and activism. As legislative and social challenges intensify, the event’s focus on visibility, connection, and creative expression reflects broader movements for LGBTQ+ justice. Organizers and participants alike see such gatherings as essential to building resilience, nurturing new leaders, and sustaining the fight for equality .