So… what’s up?
I’ve been thinking about being trans a lot these days. Often the news about trans people is pretty disheartening. I received a stream of transphobic vitriol when my Manpons video was posted on Facebook. But also, sometimes it’s cool too. Elliot Page has come out as trans. And even more recently, Demi Lovato has come out as non-binary and uses they/them.
Seeing these celebrities coming out as trans and non-binary so openly has made me joyful, but also brought up the fact that often, I live in a weird half-in/half-out situation around my gender. Not to brag, but my therapist has told me that I have all sorts of avoidant coping skills. One of these strategies is using a veneer of “hahaha jk” to avoid being vulnerable which, crap, I can feel myself falling into already!
Okay, this is me putting it out there in a non-jokey, earnest way: I am non-binary, I use they/them pronouns exclusively. I had top surgery at the end of 2019 which has had an incredible positive effect on my mental health and my posture! Before surgery, my neck was in so much pain from doing what some referred to as “the transmasc slouch” (used to obscure one’s boobs when wearing baggy shirts).
When I try to pin down exactly what non-binary means for me, I often resort to waving my hands around and saying, “I’m a Loie!” I have reached a point where my relationship to my gender is really just vibing and flowing. It’s not something that needs to be pinned down!
During this pandemic, with the masks and my now lack of tits, I find I get called “sir” quite often (often followed by “that’s a girl!!” and me rushing away as fast as I can). I’ve also been called a “f*ggot,” which is obviously not cool–but, also, a little gender affirming if you think about it. Happy Pride!
I am hoping that me putting this out there can help some of you understand me (and maybe even gender) a little better, because I truly want you all to have access to my full self. If it made you more confused, that’s cool too. I’m just going to keep making comedy about being trans and queer, so you’re just going to have to keep learning! Trans agenda! Mwahahahaha!
What have I been working on?
‘Wicked’ Zoom Performance Foiled By Green Screen
Here’s my most recent Awf Article! I wrote this in the voice of a small-town theater reviewer which was a fun change of pace from the typical news voice of most of my Awf articles. Here’s an excerpt:
“While Elphaba disappeared into the sets, Glinda, played by Lacey Roland, was crystal clear. Though Roland is a talented performer (albeit, a little raw and untested), this totally undermined the show’s emotional thesis. From this production I can tell that Director Steve Ritten has a disdain for the source material–his bias against Elphaba was evident. […]
After the mishandling of this show, I hope the company can recover in their next Zoom production, “Shrek: The Musical,” but I have my doubts.“
Fun fact, this article was inspired by the realization that dying my hair green before filming a bunch of sketches in front of GREENscreens was not as cute and fun as I was hoping.
Well–honestly it was fun and cute, I got a lot of compliments from hot strangers. But the top of my head has looked like a ghost in many other people’s sketches. Sorry everyone! I am going back to blonde ASAP I swear.
MY FIRST LIVE SHOW SINCE MARCH 2020!!!!!!!! YEAH BABY!!! SUNDAY OF PRIDE WEEKEND!!!
Queer Window – Sunday, June 27th, 10:30pm EST – Caveat - 21 A Clinton Street, New York, NY
Queer Window, the queer sketch team I have been writing and acting with is bringing things from the virtual to the physical realm finally! And, we are honored to be performing during Pride Weekend!!!! I cannot even express how excited I am ahhhhhhh
Here’s the link to tickets if you can make it to NYC! Proof of Vax will be required.
Here’s a sketch I wrote for our last Queer Window show, titled “Trans Game Show.”
Just a disclaimer, the host/family featured in the sketch is not actually me and my family!!! I mean, hey, if you see yourself in it, don’t stress (reflect!). I’m just having a laugh about the hoops trans people must jump through to try to train people in their lives to do basic respect things. It was especially fun to make because the family is played by all trans performers!!!
Watch Trans Game Show on YouTube here.
What am I watching?
Girls5eva – A new Peacock Original show. Shoutout to my friend who shared their login because this show really hit all the marks for me but I can’t handle managing anymore streaming accounts.
The show is about an early 2000s one-hit wonder girl group, and their quest to reclaim fame when they reunite at age 40 after their song is featured on an up-and-coming rapper’s new song. It has some hilarious songs and legit Broadway talent to back it up. Also, it stars the Pride of Humboldt County, Sara Bareilles! I am sorry that I am tempting some of you to a new streamer, but I just love the show so much.
Who’s making me laugh?
Dylan Adler. I’m a sucker for musical comedy, and Dylan has some of the funniest musical comedy out there right now. One of my faves is “Football: The Musical,” which you can watch here. I first saw Dylan perform at UCB and I am so glad to be able to keep seeing his talent even in these trying times.
Dylan’s website is here and you can follow Dylan on Twitter here.
And that’s that!
Much love to all!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see some of you on June 27th in person at Caveat!!!!
Xoxo, Loie
Such a great newsletter, Loie! Thank you for a very genuine and honestly, lovely take take on being "Loie!"