The Complicated Legacy Of Pat From SNL: Why The Androgynous Character Is Being Reclaimed As A Queer Icon

For over three decades, the character of Pat O'Neal Riley from *Saturday Night Live* has been one of the most talked-about and controversial figures in the show's history. As of December 2025, the conversation around the androgynous character has taken a significant and unexpected turn, moving from simple comedic confusion to a complex discussion about gender identity, the evolution of humor, and the character's surprising reclamation as a queer icon. The performer, Julia Sweeney, has been central to this ongoing dialogue, offering new perspectives on the character she created in 1990. The character, known for their black curly hair, thick glasses, and Western-style blue shirt, was the subject of numerous sketches where the entire joke was the audience's, and the other characters', inability to determine Pat's gender. However, in the current cultural climate, this premise has been widely criticized for potentially mocking gender-nonconforming people. The most recent updates involve a new documentary and Sweeney's own reflections, which have brought Pat back into the spotlight for a new generation.

Julia Sweeney: The Creator Behind the Character

The enduring legacy of Pat is inextricably linked to the comedian who created and portrayed the character, Julia Sweeney.

• Full Name: Julia Anne Sweeney
• Born: October 10, 1959
• Birthplace: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
• Career Highlights:
• Gained fame as a cast member on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) from 1990 to 1994.
• Created the iconic androgynous character Pat O'Neal Riley.
• Other notable SNL characters include Dame Sarah Kensington and Sandy.
• Starred in the 1994 feature film adaptation, *It's Pat!*
• Known for her one-woman shows, including *God Said Ha!*, which won a New York Film Critics Circle Award.
• Has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including a recurring role in the popular Hulu series *Shrill*.

The Anatomy of the Pat Skit: Why It Became Iconic

The Pat sketches were a staple of the 1990s SNL era, which featured an all-star cast including Norm MacDonald, Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, and Dana Carvey. The premise was simple and repetitive, yet wildly successful, tapping into a fundamental human curiosity.

The Core Premise: Ambiguity as the Punchline

Pat O'Neal Riley was an androgynous character whose gender was intentionally left ambiguous. The humor was never about Pat's behavior or personality—who was generally sweet, nerdy, and oblivious—but rather the extreme lengths other characters would go to in an attempt to figure out "It's Pat's!" gender. The sketches typically involved Pat interacting with a new person—a doctor, a co-worker, or a store clerk—who would try and fail to find any definitive clue. Clues like Pat's clothing, voice, or physical appearance offered no clear answer. For instance, in one famous sketch, Pat attempts to use a public restroom, causing a panic as people try to guide them to the correct door.

The *It's Pat!* Movie and Commercial Success

The character's popularity led to a feature film, *It's Pat! The Movie*, which was released in 1994. Directed by Adam Bernstein, the film expanded the premise, featuring Pat's relationship with Chris, another character of indeterminate gender played by Dave Foley. While the film was not a box office success, it cemented Pat's place in pop culture history. The cast also included notable comedians like Charles Rocket and Kathy Griffin.

The Modern Controversy and Pat's Unexpected Reclamation

In the 21st century, as public discourse on gender identity and non-binary people has matured, the Pat sketches have faced significant backlash. Many critics and viewers argue that the character's core joke is now problematic, trivializing the experiences of gender-nonconforming individuals.

Julia Sweeney’s Defense and Acknowledgment

Julia Sweeney has repeatedly addressed the controversy, clarifying her original intent. She has stated that Pat was never intended to be trans or non-binary, but simply a character whose gender was unknown, based on a person she knew in real life. During a recent interview, Sweeney confessed that she has a "complicated" relationship with the character's legacy, acknowledging that the humor, while acceptable in the 1990s, is viewed differently today. She has also mentioned working with transgender comedy writers to understand the current perspective.

The Surprising New Role as a Queer Icon

Perhaps the most significant and *current* development is the movement to reclaim Pat as a figure of queer representation. A recent documentary project has explored this very idea, arguing that Pat, despite the original intent, can be seen as a proto-non-binary or gender-fluid character. * Reinterpretation: Proponents of this view see Pat's ambiguity not as a comedic flaw, but as a representation of freedom from traditional gender binaries. * Sweeney's Support: Julia Sweeney has embraced this reinterpretation, lending her support to the documentary and stating, "I acknowledge Pat's history and I acknowledge my part in it, but I’m excited about Pat being reclaimed." * Topical Relevance: The character's relevance extends beyond comedy; Pat was even mentioned during a Supreme Court hearing on anti-LGBTQ discrimination, demonstrating the character's deep penetration into the cultural conversation surrounding gender. In this new light, Pat is no longer just a punchline from a 90s sketch show, but a complex cultural artifact. The character now serves as a touchstone for discussing how comedy, gender, and societal norms have dramatically shifted over the past few decades. The conversation around Pat O'Neal Riley is proof that the legacy of any cultural icon is never truly finished, but continues to evolve with the times.