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.

So who better to be this year’s honoree at the Unleashed LGBTQ+ Festival in Dallas? Founded in 2021 by activist Wesley Smoot as a kind of “Gay SXSW,” 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’s no denying Waters is one of the biggest guests to grace the festival’s stage, and he’s thrilled to be coming.

“It’s the perfect title for me,” he says of the event’s name, “because I’m fully unleashed. ... They might come drop a net on all of us that night!”

As usual, Waters is joking, but during a Sept. 19 ceremony for a Lifetime Achievement A

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