Comedian Eddie Izzard has revealed her pronouns to be “she/her” and that she is genderfluid during a television appearance.
Izzard made the announcement during an episode of Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year, during which she explained that it was the first program she had asked to be known as she and her, calling it “the transition period.”
The actress went on to explain how she felt, having made the revelation saying, “Well it feels great, because people just assume that… well they just know me from before. I’m genderfluid. I just want to be based in girl mode from now on.”
Izzard also added that using the pronouns felt “very positive,” saying, “One life, live it well.”
In the past, the comedian has discussed her genderfluidity explaining that she had different “modes”.
In a 2019 interview, she said, “I have boy mode and girl mode. I am kind of gender fluid. I want to express both sides of myself, which has always been there. I am a tomboy and tomgirl kind of person.”
Much like Elliot Page, who came out as transgender early in December, Izzard was flooded with messages of love and support with several social media users explaining that Izzard revealing her truth made them feel their identity was being both represented and validated in the mainstream.
It brings me a lot of comfort seeing #EddieIzzard, someone with a traditionally masculine name, use exclusively she/her pronouns. Names don’t have genders & pronouns don’t indicate gender but as someone with a feminine name who’s pronouns are they/them, this makes me feel seen 🥰
— Sophie 🏳️🌈🎄🏴 (@OnceUponASophie) December 19, 2020
Wrote one Twitter user, “It brings me a lot of comfort seeing #Eddie Izzard, someone with a traditionally masculine name, use exclusively she/her pronouns. Names don’t have genders & pronouns don’t indicate gender but as someone with a feminine name whose pronouns are they/them, this makes me feel seen. [sic]”
Izzard’s announcement, and the positive praise she has received for it, hopefully, represents another stride toward people feeling empowered to share and live in their truth and a reminder to the entertainment industries that it is crucial these stories be shared on screen.
For more information on the correct terminology and etiquette when interacting with a person who identifies as transgender, please visit GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and familiarise yourself with their guidelines.
Additional Resources
— Trans Pride Australia: Trans Pride Australia creates a safe and supportive space to: Connect with other TGD people and family, friends and allies in a closed online environment.
— The Gender Centre: The Gender Centre is committed to developing and providing services and activities, which enhance the ability of people with gender issues to make informed choices.
— LGBTQIA Support Services – ReachOut Australia: A resource for people who have questions about, or feel like they need support related to, sexuality or gender.
— National LGBTI Health Alliance: The National LGBTI Health Alliance is the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.
— QLife: QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.