In a new interview with The Spectator, Barry Humphries, whose most famous incarnation is as the outrageous drag persona “Dame Edna Everage,” surprises by revealing he is anti-transgender people and praises Donald Trump for ‘stirring up politics.’
This from a man who became famous performing in drag.
In London to perform a three-week residency at the Barbican, Barry Humphries’ Weimar Cabaret, Humphries told journalist Lloyd Evans that he feels the issue of transgender rights to be ‘terrible rat-baggery.’
He refers to transgenderism as ‘a fashion’ asking “How many kinds of lavatory can you have?”
“And it’s pretty evil when it’s preached to children by crazy teachers,” he added.
Humphries also called out the anger he aroused when he referred to gender confirmation surgery as “mutilation.”
In a 2016 interview with The Telegraph, Humphries agreed with derisive comments about “men who believe that they are women and have themselves castrated”.
“They had their genitalia chopped off and tucked in and whatever they had to do,” said the 84-year-old. “And that aroused a lot of indignation — probably among the people who’d spent a lot of money having it done.”
Humphries tried to soften his position by adding, “But I don’t think I’m right to pontificate – I’m really an actor.”
On another topic, Evans asks if Humphries’ favorite onstage character, the sexist diplomat Sir Les Patterson, has been co-opted by Donald Trump.
“Has the President stolen your act?” asks Evans.
“No, I don’t think so,” replies Humphries. “I’m grateful to Trump for stirring up politics. And I won’t be joining any marches against him.”
(photo: Eva Rinaldi/Flickr – CC license)
I thought he’d retired! Like Chris, above, I will never spend another penny on anything he does. Shameful!
Humphries — aka Dame Edna —
Humphries — aka Dame Edna — is in his 80s, has been married four times, and is an Aussie who can use his wealth and fame to avoid the ugly underside of people like Trump. That doesn't mean that Dame Edna's not funny; but moving forward, you can be sure that I'll ot spend another penny on anything he does.
This isn’t all that
This isn’t all that surprising. If memory serves me correctly, he was a strong supporter of Margaret Thatcher.