Katie Goodman is an award-winning musical comic, actress, author, creative coach, and social activist. She has written a three-page feature for O: The Oprah Magazine, has a blog on the Huffington Post and is the author of Improvisation For The Spirit.
She created "Broad Comedy", an internationally touring satirical musical show that she and her husband Soren Kisiel write and direct. Katie and Soren were nominated for the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant for their extensive work in theatre, and were also nominated for The EPIC Award from The White House Project for emerging artists.
She was also the founder and producer of the National Women's Theatre Festival in Los Angeles in the 90's and an Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival. Her album is available on iTunes and through her website, www.katiegoodman.com.
In April 2011, Katie and her husband started the social
activism awareness site www.UnFuckitup.com due to the popularity of
their hit I Didn’t Fuck It Up which played at The Triad theater in New York City earlier this year. It’s a place where social activists can come together to get inspired about how other people are changing the world.
After having recently stumbled across her song Probably Gay, I decided I wanted to know more about the artist behind the activism and share her work with the readers of Freedom Requires Wings.
Where did you grow up?
Where did you grow up?
Boston
Were the people around you conservative or liberal and to what extent did they inspire you?
Generally liberal. I went to grade school during the infamous busing where African American students were bused into suburban schools and integrated better – this was the 70’s after the civil rights movement. It affected me a lot that we as a country had to do this and weird that it wasn’t just happening naturally. My other was a liberal syndicated Pulitzer Prize winning columnist (Ellen Goodman) so she was in the public eye, and my uncle was the founder of the Massachusetts Commission on Discrimination and marched with Martin Luther King. My grandfather ran as a democrat for Congress and was endorsed by John F. Kennedy. I was incredibly inspired by my family. So yeah, you could say I was in liberal surround-sound.
How did you get into theatre and musical comedy?
Second grade. Starred and directed in a play about a precocious little girl who stars and directs in her own play (Really Rosie). And bosses everyone around. I didn’t even know the word “ironic” yet...
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
A garbage man when I was three. Hadn’t yet had the feminist indoctrination that it was “garbage person” yet. Then a combo pack of actress, writer, musician, activist. That stayed with me from early grade school. But I didn’t consider myself a comic until actually 2 years ago. I’m a theatre person in comedian’s clothing.
What lessons has your work life taught you?
Sloooow the fuck down. I know it but I can’t do it. So I’ve “learned” a lot, but not put it into play. I also teach workshops using the tools of improv comedy in everyday life and I’m sort of a life-coach there so one would think I am all self-helped up, but basically I’ve come to realized lately that I’m a very happy type-A and just not willing to give it up. I also have learned through working with an improv troupe, a women’s sketch troupe and a repertory theatre company, that I really do give a shit about who I work with. It matters so much. Integrity, commitment and politics play a huge part in who I work with and what we accomplish together. But now I’m doing my solo show all the time and it’s like, Hey, where did everybody go?!?
What inspired your song, Probably Gay and what motivated you and pushed you to write it?
The homophobes. I wrote a blog called “Gay Means Happy” about my cousins and gay marriage and I got all these comments on it and one was just so hideous I had to go see who wrote it. There was a photo, not of the guy, but of a piece of art as his avatar. It was, I kid you not, a photo of a Greek statue of a naked man, leaning over seductively with his ass to the camera. And I was like, okaaaaaayyy. This guy? Totally gay. Right? And my husband (and co-writer) and I had been wanting to do a song about all the shithead homophobic anti-gay legislators and when we saw this, we decided to write the piece because we just couldn’t wait any longer. It’s just so obviously the final civil rights movement that we as a country are figuring out and there’s no going back. It’s like you’re not going to say black and white couples can’t marry anymore (like they had outlawed not even that long ago historically) and so once we get this whole gay marriage thing hammered out, it will be here to stay. And kids will grow up with it and it will stop seeming out of the ordinary and we will win. There’s still racism, of course, and there will still be homophobia, but no one will be able to legislate against it. I could die happy if I knew our song had helped even a few people argue the case that homophobia is based on fear of actually being gay, and that it had helped this movement. And the great thing is it’s almost impossible to argue our point. My favorite comments on our song on YouTube are these homophobic men writing in saying, “When I was watching gay porn, I was just so repulsed…” and you’re like, Um, when you were watching gay porn?!?! Dude! Probably Gay. Bam. You lose.
You are a strong supporter of equal rights for all. Do you believe straight allies play an important role in the fight for equality?
Yes, yes, yes. But I kind of wish it weren’t necessary to have straight people be the ones that convince other straight people. People should just be able to hear something so right from anyone who is right. But that’s the way it is. Like the white activists helping with the civil rights movement of the 60’s. But whatever works I guess. I happen to love being a part of this fight. It’s probably the one thing in my life and awareness that is so goddamned simple and straightforward and clear. Reproductive rights are complicated, war and defense is complicated, the economy and solutions are complicated, oral sex is complicated (wait, sorry, that’s just me), the Middle East is complicated. Gay rights is a fucking relief. We are just right. And that’s that.
A lot of our readers on Freedom Requires Wings are LGBT teens, some struggling in their coming out process or still in the stages of accepting their sexuality or gender identity, others violently rejected by their parents. What is your message to them and what advice would you give them?
First of all, we’re all supposed to grow up and find your own separate identity from your parents. So if you offend them, you are in good company, with like, everybody. But I’m totally aware that coming out can be harder than most other issues. I feel a little like who the fuck am I to tell you how to handle it, but if you can find support outside your family or those who have a problem with it, that is crucial. I mean really crucial. This is true of anything – find people who support your beliefs so you know you’re aren’t alone. And while being rejected for who you are totally blows, you are also part of something really incredible right now. This movement is changing the world. Just like the suffragettes and the civil rights movements. If there’s anyway to see yourself as an activist who has a real purpose and it’s not just personal with your family, maybe that could give you a sense of power? I dunno. There are women in other countries who are having female genital mutilation against their will, there are people who are jailed for their political beliefs all over the world, there are people who are getting shot for trying to oust totalitarian dictators. I mean shit is going down everywhere. We are all fighting for something. Or should be. If you can find the community that is productively trying to affect change, you are on the right road. It’s really empowering. Don’t let your family or peers determine who you are and how you feel. It’s their self-hate talking anyway if they attack you. Just remember that.
Do you go to pride events? Do you think they're worthwhile?
Yes, yes, yes! Give me a great Pride march over almost anything except sushi and sex. Although most Pride fests have those elements… Seriously, I think Occupy could use some drag queens to liven things up. The joy and energy at drag shows, Pride marches and festivals is just such a testament to what a powerful and creative and loving thing the LGBT community is. I just feel so at home there. I am performing at several this year for free. I am also emceeing a drag show, and Jesus do I have to go shopping before then. Damn. The pressure is on, man.
You are a married woman. Do you think Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage was a good move on his part and do you believe it should be legalized in every US state regardless of the views of the inhabitants?
I happen to believe he was pro-gay marriage all along and was just waiting for the right time and all this “I’m evolving” stuff was just political BS. I think he’s incredibly smart and even had Biden say it before him to lighten the danger of his saying it. I am NOT a conspiracy kinda girl, but this is my secret belief. And yes, of course it was a good move. He’s already ostracized the Right anyway. And yes, I think it should be legalized regardless of states voting on it – there are times when ya gotta just not let Bubba and his friends vote. This is one of them. Again, right is right.
Were the people around you conservative or liberal and to what extent did they inspire you?
Generally liberal. I went to grade school during the infamous busing where African American students were bused into suburban schools and integrated better – this was the 70’s after the civil rights movement. It affected me a lot that we as a country had to do this and weird that it wasn’t just happening naturally. My other was a liberal syndicated Pulitzer Prize winning columnist (Ellen Goodman) so she was in the public eye, and my uncle was the founder of the Massachusetts Commission on Discrimination and marched with Martin Luther King. My grandfather ran as a democrat for Congress and was endorsed by John F. Kennedy. I was incredibly inspired by my family. So yeah, you could say I was in liberal surround-sound.
Second grade. Starred and directed in a play about a precocious little girl who stars and directs in her own play (Really Rosie). And bosses everyone around. I didn’t even know the word “ironic” yet...
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
A garbage man when I was three. Hadn’t yet had the feminist indoctrination that it was “garbage person” yet. Then a combo pack of actress, writer, musician, activist. That stayed with me from early grade school. But I didn’t consider myself a comic until actually 2 years ago. I’m a theatre person in comedian’s clothing.
What lessons has your work life taught you?
Sloooow the fuck down. I know it but I can’t do it. So I’ve “learned” a lot, but not put it into play. I also teach workshops using the tools of improv comedy in everyday life and I’m sort of a life-coach there so one would think I am all self-helped up, but basically I’ve come to realized lately that I’m a very happy type-A and just not willing to give it up. I also have learned through working with an improv troupe, a women’s sketch troupe and a repertory theatre company, that I really do give a shit about who I work with. It matters so much. Integrity, commitment and politics play a huge part in who I work with and what we accomplish together. But now I’m doing my solo show all the time and it’s like, Hey, where did everybody go?!?
What inspired your song, Probably Gay and what motivated you and pushed you to write it?
The homophobes. I wrote a blog called “Gay Means Happy” about my cousins and gay marriage and I got all these comments on it and one was just so hideous I had to go see who wrote it. There was a photo, not of the guy, but of a piece of art as his avatar. It was, I kid you not, a photo of a Greek statue of a naked man, leaning over seductively with his ass to the camera. And I was like, okaaaaaayyy. This guy? Totally gay. Right? And my husband (and co-writer) and I had been wanting to do a song about all the shithead homophobic anti-gay legislators and when we saw this, we decided to write the piece because we just couldn’t wait any longer. It’s just so obviously the final civil rights movement that we as a country are figuring out and there’s no going back. It’s like you’re not going to say black and white couples can’t marry anymore (like they had outlawed not even that long ago historically) and so once we get this whole gay marriage thing hammered out, it will be here to stay. And kids will grow up with it and it will stop seeming out of the ordinary and we will win. There’s still racism, of course, and there will still be homophobia, but no one will be able to legislate against it. I could die happy if I knew our song had helped even a few people argue the case that homophobia is based on fear of actually being gay, and that it had helped this movement. And the great thing is it’s almost impossible to argue our point. My favorite comments on our song on YouTube are these homophobic men writing in saying, “When I was watching gay porn, I was just so repulsed…” and you’re like, Um, when you were watching gay porn?!?! Dude! Probably Gay. Bam. You lose.
You are a strong supporter of equal rights for all. Do you believe straight allies play an important role in the fight for equality?
Yes, yes, yes. But I kind of wish it weren’t necessary to have straight people be the ones that convince other straight people. People should just be able to hear something so right from anyone who is right. But that’s the way it is. Like the white activists helping with the civil rights movement of the 60’s. But whatever works I guess. I happen to love being a part of this fight. It’s probably the one thing in my life and awareness that is so goddamned simple and straightforward and clear. Reproductive rights are complicated, war and defense is complicated, the economy and solutions are complicated, oral sex is complicated (wait, sorry, that’s just me), the Middle East is complicated. Gay rights is a fucking relief. We are just right. And that’s that.
A lot of our readers on Freedom Requires Wings are LGBT teens, some struggling in their coming out process or still in the stages of accepting their sexuality or gender identity, others violently rejected by their parents. What is your message to them and what advice would you give them?
First of all, we’re all supposed to grow up and find your own separate identity from your parents. So if you offend them, you are in good company, with like, everybody. But I’m totally aware that coming out can be harder than most other issues. I feel a little like who the fuck am I to tell you how to handle it, but if you can find support outside your family or those who have a problem with it, that is crucial. I mean really crucial. This is true of anything – find people who support your beliefs so you know you’re aren’t alone. And while being rejected for who you are totally blows, you are also part of something really incredible right now. This movement is changing the world. Just like the suffragettes and the civil rights movements. If there’s anyway to see yourself as an activist who has a real purpose and it’s not just personal with your family, maybe that could give you a sense of power? I dunno. There are women in other countries who are having female genital mutilation against their will, there are people who are jailed for their political beliefs all over the world, there are people who are getting shot for trying to oust totalitarian dictators. I mean shit is going down everywhere. We are all fighting for something. Or should be. If you can find the community that is productively trying to affect change, you are on the right road. It’s really empowering. Don’t let your family or peers determine who you are and how you feel. It’s their self-hate talking anyway if they attack you. Just remember that.
 |
| Katie performed at Montana Pride last Friday (S) |
Yes, yes, yes! Give me a great Pride march over almost anything except sushi and sex. Although most Pride fests have those elements… Seriously, I think Occupy could use some drag queens to liven things up. The joy and energy at drag shows, Pride marches and festivals is just such a testament to what a powerful and creative and loving thing the LGBT community is. I just feel so at home there. I am performing at several this year for free. I am also emceeing a drag show, and Jesus do I have to go shopping before then. Damn. The pressure is on, man.
You are a married woman. Do you think Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage was a good move on his part and do you believe it should be legalized in every US state regardless of the views of the inhabitants?
I happen to believe he was pro-gay marriage all along and was just waiting for the right time and all this “I’m evolving” stuff was just political BS. I think he’s incredibly smart and even had Biden say it before him to lighten the danger of his saying it. I am NOT a conspiracy kinda girl, but this is my secret belief. And yes, of course it was a good move. He’s already ostracized the Right anyway. And yes, I think it should be legalized regardless of states voting on it – there are times when ya gotta just not let Bubba and his friends vote. This is one of them. Again, right is right.
How long do you think it will be before the US elects its first openly-gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender President?
Oh man, I have no idea. Maybe a lesbian first just cuz it’s less threatening. But I think it wouldn’t be out of the question. Iceland just had the world’s first gay leader of a country get married while in office. (female) So, hell, America can’t be that far behind Iceland! Ha. Just kidding. But my fingers are crossed… dressed.
Will we be seeing more LGBT activism from Katie in the future?
Oh hells yeah. Got somewhere for me to show up and do my song? Please people, just email me: info@katiegoodman.com. I’m in.
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Oh man, I have no idea. Maybe a lesbian first just cuz it’s less threatening. But I think it wouldn’t be out of the question. Iceland just had the world’s first gay leader of a country get married while in office. (female) So, hell, America can’t be that far behind Iceland! Ha. Just kidding. But my fingers are crossed… dressed.
Will we be seeing more LGBT activism from Katie in the future?
Oh hells yeah. Got somewhere for me to show up and do my song? Please people, just email me: info@katiegoodman.com. I’m in.
To see Katie on stage or performing, check out her website for tickets and more info about her work. She'll be performing at The Equinox Theatre, Bozeman, next Thursday. Tickets are just $12.
Follow @FRW
