- Eddie Izzard’s leading transgender role.
- Advocating for trans rights.
- “Doctor Jekyll” in theaters.
Eddie Izzard, also known as Suzy, takes on her first leading transgender character in the Hammer horror adaptation of the beloved Victorian novel “Doctor Jekyll” by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Advocating for Trans Acceptance
Eddie Izzard asserts that as a transgender woman, the majority of people she encounters on the street are “accepting” and “positive” towards her.
In 1985, the comedian and actor, whose stage name is Suzy, initially revealed her transgender identity.
Now, almost four decades later, Eddie is assuming her first leading transgender role in the Hammer horror film “Doctor Jekyll.”
Eddie states that although society is in a markedly different position than it was during the tumultuous mid-1980s, with considerably more tolerance for LGBTQ+ issues, the road ahead is not entirely smooth.
“There is greater acceptance in the world. The far right does not exhibit greater acceptance. The far right is instigating cultural conflicts. On the contrary, the prevailing sentiment among the general populace is, ‘Better for you; be true to yourself.’ ‘I believe you are looking fantastic; I hope the same for myself.'”
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It’s widely accepted that most people “live and let live” and consider “what’s inside” “honest” expression.
She continues, “We are also discussing the mental health and overall welfare of communities, nations, states, continents, and the globe.” Surely this is an improvement over the position taken by the right fringe, which is to pit women’s rights against trans rights. “Now, have them fight.”
“On the contrary, both women’s rights and trans rights are human rights.” “That concludes the story.”
Political Engagement
Eddie is likely to have these discussions with potential voters, given the current prominence of trans issues; in addition to extreme sports and performing, Eddie is also politically active.
She’s running for Brighton Pavilion’s Labour parliamentary candidature after failing for Sheffield Central last year.
She maintains her stance that the prevailing sentiment on the street is one of solidarity: “Although a minority of people are hateful and transphobic, these sentiments are not representative of the majority. Currently, things may be at an all-time high, but we will get through this difficult period and look forward to better times ahead.”
Trans Representation in Media
As trans issues begin to find their way into mainstream media, the 61-year-old’s most recent project, a retelling of the novella “The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson in which Dr Jekyll is a trans woman, is an indication of this shift.
Eddie characterises the casting as “open-gender,” with both men and women considered by Joe Stephenson.
She argues that scientist Nina Jekyll’s transgender identity was unrelated to the role, even if juggling two roles was tough.
“As an acting role, it’s fantastic because, presumably, viewers will be unable to discern who is exerting control over this trans woman or where she’s headed while watching the scenes. However, the fact that she is transgender is irrelevant. It so happens to be in that location.”
Izzard argues that we should have moved beyond careless stereotyping in the twenty-first century, using LGBTQ casting as an example.
“[Frequently] a queer character must be grappling with a homosexual dilemma. An issue with lesbians is a lesbian issue. You are not required to do that. Just live your life, for we are all real individuals who are living lives.”
Currently, “Doctor Jekyll” is in theaters.
