Queercore: How to Punk a Revolution
1h 20m
Directed by Yony Leyser • Documentary • With Bruce LaBruce, G.B. Jones, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, John Waters, Justin Vivian Bond, Lynn Breedlove, Silas Howard, Pansy Division, Penny Arcade, Kathleen Hanna, Kim Gordon, Deke Elash, Tom Jennings, Team Dresch • 2017 • 80 minutes
Queercore: How To Punk A Revolution, dives into the world of the cultural punk movement known as Queercore. In response to society’s disdain and rejection of queerness, the LGBTQIA+ punks of the 1980s formed an explosive, furious, vibrant army of kings, queens, rockstars and artists to perform in underground venues. Leyser’s documentary paints a powerful and profound picture of how the queer community mobilized to create space for their marginalized comrades.
Interviewees discuss homophobia, gender, feminism, AIDS, assimilation, sex, and, of course, art. Underscoring this are clips from movies, zines, concerts, and actions iconic to the movement. As steeped in the radical queer, anti-capitalist, DIY, and give-no-fucks approach as queercore itself, the movie reveals the perspectives and experiences of bands, filmmakers and writers, taking audiences inside the creation of the community—and art—that was so desperately needed.