What I liked
Teolindo’s writing and performance really shines in this piece. DAFUQ gives us a heartwarming little peak into the character’s gender euphoria, or maybe the performer’s own feelings of actualization, that are just so charming and engaging to watch. He’s really managed to capture and portray some of the ups and downs of a deeper trans experience that I, as a trans person, feel like I rarely get to see on stage. DAFUQ avoids the traps that so many trans narratives seem to get stuck in such as coming out, parental support, and abuse/violence. It instead gives a slice of life perspective on how being queer or trans can affect other aspects of your life, like romantic relationships, long after you’ve come out or started transitioning. This is the exact subtle yet effective way I’d like to continue to see trans stories to be pushed beyond the superficial.
Costumes are used cleverly in the production to drive the plot while also putting gender presentation itself in full display. The lights and music made me feel like I was at a west hollywood club in June without being overstimulating. Oh, and that bear (IYKYK).
What I didn't like
Would love to see this team take on a full length production of DAFUQ, but I’ll be there for whatever they do next.
My overall impression
Dating Advice for Useless Queers isn’t just a show with queer people in it during Pride. DAFUQ is an intimate yet relatable story about navigating the feeling of pride itself. Teolindo Ramirez’s show explores how the intersectionality of our identities mixed with the validation we allow ourselves to derive from relationships can hinder or enhance our search for euphoria as queer people. And it’s hilarious too?? If you’re looking for a grounded, queer and trans performance to watch during Fringe, this is a show you don’t want to miss.
