Some People Just Enjoy Hating: Suzy 'Eddie' Izzard's Vision for a Better World
The British comedian and actor, Suzy “Eddie” Izzard, discusses the next phase of transphobia and her continued commitment to the UK Labour Party. At 63, Izzard has earned two Emmy Awards for her stand-up comedy and is known for running marathons.
Name and Identity
She uses "Suzy" personally but retains "Eddie" professionally. While most trans people avoid their "dead name," Izzard embraces both. She explains:
"‘Eddie’ is also a name that I invented. I’m ‘Edward John’ on my passport, but I thought that sounded … lumpy. ‘Eddie’ is much more fun and cool. Now I have ‘Suzy’, too, which is a name I would’ve liked to have had when I was 10. I’m going to keep them both going because I’m gender-fluid as well [as being trans]. No one can get anything wrong unless they call me ‘Arthur’ or ‘Sabrina’."
Early Loss and Perspective
Izzard endured deep loss early in life when she lost her mother at age six, and her brother was seven at the time. She reflects on this with a broad perspective:
"You experienced profound loss at a very young age, having lost your mum when you were just six." "That’s right, and my brother was seven; she didn’t see his eighth birthday. But I try to get very macro on this."
Interview Context
This conversation was part of a weekly series by Benjamin Law, who invites public figures to discuss taboo subjects by rolling a die to select topics. Izzard shares candid insights as part of this format.
Author’s summary: Suzy “Eddie” Izzard embraces fluid identity and resilience, using her platform to confront transphobia and promote understanding while staying active in politics.
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