Last Halloween, I went to costume party at a local bar. I decided to forego a costume and just dress up in a way that made me feel good. I wore my favorite button-up shirt, put gel in my hair, added my favorite accessories. As I looked in the mirror I felt confident in my chubby, queer body - I felt handsome.
That night, someone very earnestly came up to me and said that I had "the best Pat costume" they'd ever seen. They were, of course, talking about the character of Pat, from the 90s SNL bits "It's Pat". The person who told me this was trying to give me a compliment. They didn't realize that it could be misconstrued as an insult, that the queer community has a complicated relationship with Pat's depiction of androgyny. That's part of why I think this documentary, We Are Pat (2025), is so important.
The film dives into opinions of the character, into the flawed representation of the 90s in general. It gives a voice to those who grew up ridiculed for being perceived to be like Pat, as well as to those who find comfort in the character. The creator of Pat, Julia Sweeney, is interviewed and gives insight to the creation of Pat and her intentions when creating them. In the end she, alongside a group of queer comics, attempt to revitalize the Pat concept and give it a modern spin by creating their own character sketches.
This movie is about more than just Pat, though. It talks about the history of trans and queer comedy, exploring how comedy is a reflection of a society's views as well as a form of entertainment. It asks what's acceptable in the world of comedy, and who should be held accountable when a joke ages poorly or is perceived as offensive. Through interviews with several trans and queer comedians, it gives attention to the issues this group of people face in the current political environment.
Pat, the evasive, androgynous character made famous on Saturday Night Live by Julia Sweeney, was an inescapable figure in 1990s pop culture. As a child, filmmaker Ro Haber became obsessed with Pat—a character whose popularity stemmed from making others uncomfortable by defying gender norms. Decades later, and now an out trans filmmaker, Haber still grapples with Pat’s legacy. Thirty-five years after It’s Pat first aired, Haber assembles a group of queer and trans comedians, writers, and even Sweeney herself to revisit the character. Through conversation and critique, they aim not to erase Pat but to reframe them, transforming a symbol of ridicule into one of reflection and empowerment.
Rowan Haber
Director
Rowan Haber
Director
Julia Sweeney
Self
Molly Kearney
Self
Kevin Nealon
Self
Esther Fallick
Self
Abby McEnany
Self
Pink Foxx
Self
Roz Hernandez
Self
Murray Hill
Self
James Tom
Self
Nori Reed
Self
Robin Tran
Self
He’s a nine-time Oscar host and a revered comedy legend. He’s an up-and-coming comedy star who was a voice in the biggest animated movie of all time. So what happens when these two are forced to work together?
A lonely little Hawaiian girl and her mischievous blue alien friend form a bond that heals both of their hearts, as well as ours. This live action version adds emotional nuances—notably in the sisters’ dynamic—while preserving the charm of the original.
This article will cover why this film is categorized as a documentary and concert film.