“I was just thinking about the things that Normals do. Normal girls my age would be with their beloves or even…ya know…having a romantic thing. That’s what Normals do."

That’s Betsy. She’s a middle-aged woman with autism. Living as a disabled woman at a Georgia assisted-living home, Betsy often feels ostracized from the rest of the world. She dreams of independence, falling in love and becoming a mother – just like normal girls do.

However, her disability isn’t the only thing that makes her special – when dressed in a purple leotard and sequined mask, Betsy becomes a superhero.

As her alter ego, Danger Woman, she vows to rid the world of the evil Tri-phobes! Those suffering from the three phobias: “race-a-phobia, homophobia, and disabled-a-phobia”.

Along with Susie the Floozy, Danger Woman helped popularize Dragon Con – the annual fantasy festival that brings crowds of fanboys, gamers, comic book nerds and superhero wannabes/may-as-well-bes to Atlanta. It’s a festival where nonconformists conform – and revel in the acceptance.

“As Danger Woman, I get that celebrity persona,” Betsy said. “As Betsy, well, she thinks that people don’t notice her or pay attention. But when I’m doing Danger Woman I feel that love.”

“Disabled but Able to Rock”, a new documentary from production company Big Party High Five, spans a 12-year period following Betsy as she struggles with her disability on a daily basis and as she transforms into Danger Woman.

“What began as the chronicle of an Atlanta street character has turned into the study of an autistic adult trying to make her own way in the world,” director Blake Myers said. “Using home movies, interviews, old photographs and performance footage, I hope to cast a spotlight on a person whose exuberance continues to inspire me.”

On April 30, Danger Woman and her Danger Force Band will headline the Superhero Showdown, a benefit to raise awareness of autism and help raise funds for the film’s completion. The Showdown will also feature performances from the Selmanaires and the Falcon Lords, with appearances by members of Blast off Burlesque.

Attendees are encouraged to dress up! Throw on your favorite metallic tights and fuscia leotard – yes, the mood ring looks like the Green Lantern’s Power Ring. A local-celebrity panel will determine the night’s best costume and award a grand prize. Professional costume models Chris and Miracole Burns will serve as the evening’s masters of ceremony.

Tickets for the 18+ show are $10; all proceeds will go directly to the completion of the film and charitable donations above $10 are tax-deductible. Contributions can also be made online at Fiscal Sponsorship.

"Autism is a very misunderstood disorder,” Myers said. “As Danger Woman, Betsy was accepted into a subculture where she received respect and ultimately thrived. Her story deserves to be told - I'm just happy she let me do it."

For more info visit, www.dangerwomanmovie.com.

Sponsors for the show include Top Flr (675 Myrtle St. 404.365.3110) and the Clothing Warehouse (420 Moreland Ave. 404.524.5070).