“Some people just enjoy hating”: Suzy ‘Eddie’ Izzard is pushing for the world to be a better place
The British comedian and actor reflects on the likely next phase of transphobia and explains why she continues to run for the UK Labour Party.
On Names and Identity
Each week, Benjamin Law invites public figures to discuss topics often considered private by having them roll a die to determine the subject. This week, he speaks with Suzy “Eddie” Izzard, a 63-year-old British comedian and actor who has won two Emmy Awards for her stand-up comedy and is known for running marathons.
While most trans people prefer not to use their “dead name”—the name assigned before affirming their gender—Izzard still uses “Eddie” professionally. She explains:
“Well, ‘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’.”
On Early Loss
Izzard experienced profound loss at a young age, losing her mother when she was just six. Her brother was seven at the time, and their mother did not live to see his eighth birthday.
“That’s right, and my brother was seven; she didn’t see his eighth birthday. But I try to get very macro on this.”
Author’s Summary
Suzy “Eddie” Izzard continues to challenge societal norms and advocate for change, drawing strength from her personal journey and resilience in the face of adversity.