Drag on DVD

The AZ Gender Outlaws release a documentary about how they got started, who they are and what the do.

By Laura Latzko

AZ Gender Outlaws

AZ Gender Outlaws push boundaries with documentary DVD

A local drag troupe's documentary explores how the group attempts to break stereotypes and educate others about people who are different — including drag queens and transgender people.

Portrait of a Drag Terrorist takes a look at how the AZ Gender Outlaws got started, what they do and who they are. "It's a good brief history of the AZ Gender Outlaws," said Jennifer Tristan, director of the film.

The documentary is part of a two-DVD pack, titled Drag Terrorism & Other Oddities, that includes footage of shows, public drag outings, short films, skits and commercials.

"I can't even describe it myself because it's all so different," said Scott Pierce, founder of the AZ Gender Outlaws. "What you can see is a group of really creative people doing what they love."

Pierce, who performs as Pandora Destrange, said members of AZ Gender Outlaws push the boundaries of gender identity through performance and in-your-face encounters with the public.

Other members of the troupe are Savannah Stevens, Olivia Gardens, Tatum Michelle, Winnie Goezinya, Anya Hart, Rhianna Matthews and Roulette Pierce, who hosts the weekly "Pandemonium" show Fridays at the Rock, said that that the group made the movie for people who enjoy their brand of humor. He acknowledged that some of the group's performances and videos are considered offensive to some people.

"Our sensibilities are not for everyone, and we understand that. We try to offer something for people who like that high end, campy drag," Pierce said.

Tristan said the idea for the film developed after the group created short films for a 48-hour film challenge, and she started shooting footage for the film when the AZ Gender Outlaws started performing at Ice Pics Video Bar.

Tristan said her work is inspired by filmmaker John Waters, who created 8 mm and 16 mm short films during the 1960s and '70s.

Tristan said the video shows that most people aren't prejudiced against individuals who don't fit into social norms. "There is a message of tolerance, that people accept weirdness and aren't freaked out by it," Tristan said.

Pierce said the group's work is important because drag queens and transgender people are still subject to violence. "Underneath it all, the reason we do it is it still isn't safe for people to walk around dressed in drag," he said.

Pierce said when he started doing drag in Washington, D.C., he didn't feel secure going out in public in drag and was almost killed on one occasion. "If I can spare that experience for just one person and make the community safer for one person, I would love that," he said.

Pierce said the AZ Gender Outlaws formed in 2009 to perform in the cabaret variety show "Follies: Not Your Typical Drag Show" and the Broadway-style show "Snatch: An Act of Drag Terrorism."

Nationally known drag performers such as Peaches Christ, Sherry Vine, Pandora Boxx and Joey Arias have performed with the group at the Rock. Footage from some of these performances appears on the DVD set.

Pierce said from the beginning he tried to create a show that blends activism and art.

Pierce said that "drag terrorism" is when performers go into the public dressed in drag and interact with people in non-confrontational and positive ways to reduce prejudice against and fear of people who don't fit within gender norms.

The AZ Gender Outlaws have gone to places such as a light rail station, a supermarket, a bridal expo, Fiesta Mall in Mesa and Tempe Town Lake to perpetrate acts of drag terrorism, he said.

Pierce said the group has received positive reactions from most people during drag terrorism outings. He said during acts of drag terrorism, people have crowded around to watch and take pictures.

"You never can tell when you throw on a dress," Pierce said. "You can change the world, or people's perception of it."

The DVD set is available at the Rock for $20. -E