John Waters, the filmmaker, writer and actor known for such campy movies as “Hairspray” and “Cry-Baby,” offered an alternative way for gays and lesbians to push for equality.
His suggestion: “I think we should just try to make heterosexual divorce illegal.”
Resplendent in a sports coat decorated in red and neon-pink curves, Waters signed his autobiographical book “Role Models,” the 2004 album “A John Waters Christmas” and DVDs of “The Simpsons” including the episode in which Waters was a guest star.
Two viewings of Waters’ 1981 movie “Polyester” followed a cocktail reception Sunday for Waters, the celebrity guest at the second North Louisiana Gay and Lesbian Film Festival at downtown’s Robinson Film Center.
The festival continues through Thursday.
Officials at the film center said Waters is the biggest celebrity to appear there, said Adrienne Chritcher, for People Acting for Change and Equality, the festival’s organizers.
Last year’s festival became the center of controversy when City Councilman Ron Webb said he didn’t want to give the Robinson more money because it supported “gay rights.”
That doesn’t necessarily hurt, Waters said.
“To me that kind of moronic thing helps gay causes,” he said. “It makes straight people donate.”
