The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a flop when it was originally released fifty years ago—its initial run so unsuccessful that additional screenings were canceled. But when it was rereleased in New York City as a midnight film, the queer fan culture of live performance, including shadowcasting and audience callbacks, helped turn this odd film into a cult classic with the longest theatrical release of all time. The film is both beloved and controversial within queer and trans communities and across generations. These panelists, whose essays were featured in the recently-published anthology, Absolute Pleasure: Queer Perspectives on Rocky Horror, will discuss why the film resonates with queer communities and explore which aspects of the film have—and have not—stood the test of time. They’ll relate some gossip and little-known facts about Rocky Horror, share their takes on the new Broadway revival, and discuss whether, fifty years on, queer people still relate to and need The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Roxy Ruedas

he/it

 Flloyd

he/him