Hi Deborah. How would you describe yourself?
A trier who loves making things with lovely people and believes we don’t have to be perfect to be a force for change. Also a bit of a numpty.
Why do you think feminists have trouble admitting insecurities and fears?
The whole world tells us we’ve got to be excellent and invulnerable and have shiny, manageable hair. Nothing about this world says ‘getting out of bed and being kind is enough.’
You’re in conversation with someone who takes feminism “too seriously”. How can you tell this is the case? And what do you say to them?
I don’t think anyone takes it too seriously. Equality in an unjust world is a serious business. I’m a comedian so I use jokes to tackle it but an academic might express themselves differently, but they’re changing their patch as much as I’m changing mine - so solidarity, sister!
To what extent do you view feminism as intersectional in 2020?
If it’s not intersectional then it’s not closing all the power gaps - it’s not feminism. We are either fighting for more of the status quo for different people or we are fighting for change. That means we’ve got to fight for the most marginalised not the second most powerful.
We love listening to your podcast! What’s the best part about making The Guilty Feminist?
I love working with brilliant funny women and I miss our glorious live audience in lockdown.
Tell us more about what lockdown has been like for you as a comedian. What challenges and unexpected highlights have you experienced?
I’ve been learning to dance which is wonderful fun. The only thing that would have stopped me charging around like a wild thing is it being illegal. Overall it’s been good for me. I miss connection though. I can’t wait for our first live show. I miss the electricity of the crowd.
If you could invite one character from history to be a guest on your podcast, who would you choose?
Rosa Parks or Emilia Lanier
How will you prepare for your first live in-person show since lockdown at The New Normal? Do you have any tips for artist embarking on similar experiences in the coming months?
I will prep my material then let it all go and be right in that moment riffing with Alison Spittle. I’m going to be there and savour it. I advise everyone else to appreciate the value of stage time.
What’s next for feminism in 2020?
We just did a show with shelter about homelessness. We must protect marginalised people from mass eviction brought on by lockdown.
How can people find out more about you and The Guilty Feminist?
Go to GuiltyFeminist.com We have 213 episodes people can listen to for free and I also wrote a book they can read that’s available wherever they buy their books.
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