The first question comes, and Jeffrey Tambor passes it right to Alex. And look what happens. The fact that he would pass it to her, and give her that space (“tell them what you just told me”) says worlds, says everything, about who he is. Here, dear, here is a platform, let them see you and hear you. He is a star, he is the star of the show, he just won an individual Golden Globe, but in that moment, he passed the mike (so to speak) to Alex. Because what he is engaged in, ultimately, is telling her story, or, at least, the story of the transgender community. He could easily have spoken about his own feelings, and his own “I feel really good about what we’re doing” thoughts: instead, he handed over the platform, he conceded space, he moved back. It’s made me cry. Alex moves gracefully and beautifully into that space. That space is HERS. It’s a long way from the suicidal 16 year old staring at the television. But here she is now.
Major. It’s major.
Blubbering. Alex is articulate, composed, stunning, and what she says is spot on. Hooray, Tambor! Hooray, Billings! Now I need to go use a netti pot or something to recover from all the happycrying I’ve been doing for the last 20 hours. xxx Stevie
It’s honestly too much for me to handle right now!!
I think it’s a societal acknowledgement that we experience emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually that we have at last reached the critical mass moment for actual INCLUSION of transgender people in the community of humankind. Not tolerance, not curiosity, but inclusion at a fundamental level. No wonder we’re falling apart! “The freedom to change without fear that love will be withdrawn or withheld.” I mean, WOW!
YES. Eff tolerance. Know what I mean?
This is a major moment – and it’s also what Jared Leto missed in his own awards speeches for Dallas Buyers Club – which is what Alex clocked him on in the piece she wrote for Huff Po – and was pilloried for it.
THIS is what it looks like. Inclusion. and look at how gentle and centered Alex is. She’s just so ready for this. She operates from a place of love. After her Huff po piece came out, hordes of angry trolls descended onto her FB page. One guy persists – he can’t help but sneer at her – and of course all of the people on her FB page race off to attack him – and Alex is always like, “Listen. Bob is doing the best he can too. Please try to operate as though everyone is doing the best they can.”
Not everyone operates from love – even towards those who are cruel to her. She does.
Yes. Yes. Yes. A hero who comes from love, that is Alex.
As talented as she is, as insanely free and un-politically correct and wacko as she can be onstage (she’s a force of nature) – she also really understands her position as a role model. A 16 year old boy or girl is watching her right now and deciding to live, to keep going. That’s the impact. She knows it. The only way to get that message across is to be beautifully herself, articulate, even when angry – and happy. As she is. But to embody that. It’s a message: everything’s going to be okay.
It’s a HUGE responsibility and many people are NOT graceful with that responsibility. But she’s a born teacher – you can see why her students love her so much.
Right: don’t tolerate me. I don’t need your damn tolerance or pity or sympathy or any of the other words that signify otherness.
That’s it, exactly.
I found her blog years ago from yours. I read her recaps from the award shows..they are more fun than watching the show. I couldn’t believe when I saw her on stage. I was screaming and running around the house.
I love her writing and truth telling and your stories about scary Scientology. When you both went to the center it was one of the most suspenseful stories. “Oh no..they are going to trap them!”
So amazing!
Debra – Ha!! I love that! I really miss her awards show re-caps! They are sooo funny, but also not as mean-spirited as most awards-show talk is.
We did have some close calls with those Scientologists. She is literally the only friend I have where I can say, “Wanna spend the entire day at the Scientology building?” and she’s like, “Why aren’t we there right this instant??”
It’s just so great to see all of this happening for her. Couldn’t happen to a better person.
Great interview with Alex. “conquer the witches.” Why is that making me laugh so much? I’ve sat in on Alex’s acting classes – she’s an incredible teacher, and you really get a sense of her style here. Loving, inclusive, but bold. Able to take strong positions. Not afraid. Smart, in the middle of a whirlwind of chaos.
http://themuse.jezebel.com/a-chat-with-alexandra-billings-trans-activist-transp-1677735421
Loved what your friend Alex had to say. Transparent is quite a show, and this award can only bring it to the wider audience it deserves. I’m so pleased there is more to come – I so want to find out what happens to Maura and all her children.
I know – I just want to spend more time with that crazy family. I love all of them.
Hi, Sheila. I didn’t see this live, but am very moved by Alex’s ‘moment, and VERY happy for her. Miss you.
I miss you a lot.
Always warms my heart to hear from you.