‘Some people just enjoy hating’: Suzy ‘Eddie’ Izzard on pushing for a better world
British comedian and actor Suzy “Eddie” Izzard discusses the evolving challenge of transphobia and her ongoing political involvement with the UK Labour Party. At 63, she has won two Emmy Awards for her stand-up comedy and is a dedicated marathon runner.
Name and Identity
Although she uses “Suzy” personally, she continues to work under the name “Eddie.” Unlike many trans individuals who avoid their dead name, she embraces “Eddie,” a name she created herself. Officially “Edward John” on her passport, she found “Eddie” more enjoyable and fitting. Suzy explains:
“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.”
Personal Loss and Perspective
Suzy faced significant loss early in life, losing her mother when she was six years old. Her brother was seven at the time and her mother did not live to see his eighth birthday. Reflecting on this, she shared:
“I try to get very macro on this.”
Weekly Conversations
Each week, interviewer Benjamin Law invites public figures to talk about private subjects by rolling a die to determine the topics. This week’s focus is on Suzy “Eddie” Izzard, highlighting her openness about identity and societal challenges.
Author’s summary: Suzy “Eddie” Izzard embraces her fluid gender identity and uses her platform to confront transphobia while advocating for a more inclusive world.