This eventually led to him being arrested. While in the police cruiser, Corker unleashed his bowels all over the backseat. The cops gave the drag queen the nickname of “Dirtwoman,” and Corker happily embraced the title. Dirtwoman became a huge gay rights activist and hosted the annual Hamaganza, a fundraiser for local food banks. Thanks to his outsized, flamboyant demeanor, Corker amassed a devoted following and got invited to many events. This led Dirtwoman to become something of a local legend. Later in life, due to his immense size, Corker began having mobility issues. When it comes out that Corker had congestive heart failure, writer-director Jerry Williams circled back to an idea that started nearly two decades ago.
Thusly, Spider Mites Of Jesus: The Dirtwoman Documentary now exists. Williams has helmed a loving tribute to Dirtwoman, one that does not shy away from the more vulgar side of his nature. At the inauguration of Mayor Douglas Wilder, Dirtwoman, with a press badge, becomes disruptive is kicked out. His infamous drag shows usually boiled down to some variety of bawdy striptease. Hearing the amusement of Corker’s friends and family as they fondly recall the more outlandish moments they shared with him, some good, some bad, always memorable, it becomes clear why Williams decided to make this movie.
“…a loving, and fitting tribute to a person whose presence and life is hard to ignore…”
Corker wasn’t just a drag queen or an LGBTQIA+ person with a handicap. No, Corker was the lust for life, in all its glory, manifested. Happily, aside from those 10-minutes, the documentary is an engaging watch, one that will leave a smile on your face. The use of animated segments for some of the wilder stories, adds flavor to the film’s style.
Spider Mites Of Jesus: The Dirtwoman Documentary is not perfect. But it is a loving, and fitting tribute to a person whose presence and life is hard to ignore- especially if you are from that same city. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to play some Bingo in Dirtwoman’s honor.
"…Corker was the lust for life, in all its glory, manifested."
