Eddie Izzard expressed concerns about how being transgender might impact her chances of becoming a Member of Parliament.
Despite her bid to become the Labour candidate for Brighton Pavilion, she was unsuccessful. Izzard fears that some voters may see her as too “different” to support, particularly those with strong political beliefs.
Izzard said:
“If you’re transphobic, getting a trans MP is not what you want. Then if you get one, you’re probably going to get two.”
Eddie Izzard argued that the “average person” would likely support her aspirations to become an MP.
However, she believes that political insiders (“politicos”) tend to prefer candidates who closely resemble themselves, and if a candidate doesn’t fit that mold, they might opt for someone else.
“I have all this energy,” she said. “I can analyse systems, which is needed in politics, and I can communicate. I think a lot of people would vote for that.
“But when you get to the selection process it’s, ‘Yes, like the energy, but do you think exactly like I do?’ And if you’re even slightly different, well…
Eddie Izzard, who prefers to go by the name Suzy and uses she/her pronouns, is comfortable with “he/him” pronouns as well. However, she stated that she will continue to be known as Eddie Izzard in public settings.
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll carry on. I’ll get to be an MP. I’ve just got to keep pushing.”
The comedian prefers to go by the name Suzy and to use the pronouns she/her, but doesn’t mind “he/him” and has said she will be “remaining Eddie Izzard in public”.
“I prefer she/her but I don’t mind he/him. So no one can really get it wrong unless they call me Kenneth or Sabrina,” she said.
In 2022, Eddie Izzard attempted to secure the Labour Party’s candidacy in Sheffield Central, but was unsuccessful.
A year later, when launching her bid to become an MP for Brighton, she stated her intention to stand in support of the city and its diverse and vibrant community.
“Whilst the Tories stoke fear and encourage culture wars, Brighton has shown the country another way; open-minded and welcoming to all, with a thriving arts, creative and cultural scene. Imaginative, energetic and full of entrepreneurial spirit,” she said.
Eddie Izzard pledged to prioritize practical action over protest, aiming to address issues and “fix what’s broken.”
She committed to advocating for a fairer, greener, and cleaner planet, emphasizing her focus on tangible solutions to pressing challenges.
“Reaching out and lifting people up is at the heart of my politics. I believe in making connections – not breaking connections,” she added. “So please join me – get in touch, get involved and let’s make Brighton Pavilion Labour again.”
