V7-27 07.05.23
Identity
Photos & More Hannah Gadsby Thinks You Deserve a Break
Capturing
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JULY 05, 2023
V7-27
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MADONNA KITTY
Hannah Gadsby Thinks You Deserve a Break
By Sarah Bricker Hunt
Photos: Jess Gleeson/Netflix
Alothas changed since Hannah Gadsby first took audiences on the unexpected journey that was “Nanette,” their 2018 career-making Netflix special. Yes, there was that whole Trump presidency situation and, oh, that global pandemic hiccup, but also, Gadsby got new glasses, an additional dog, created two more specials, put out a New York Times bestselling memoir (“Ten Steps to Nanette”), opened an art show in Brooklyn focused on Picasso’s alleged misogyny (“It’s Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby”), and picked up a new descriptor along the way: beloved wife.
It’s that latter detail that Gadsby explores in depth in their latest Netflix endeavor, “Something Special.” Spoiler alert: A wild rabbit pays the ultimate price for Gadsby’s wedded bliss, but it’s totally not the rabbit’s fault. It’s just that, sometimes, the journey is exactly the opposite of what you’re expecting, and maybe that’s the point of, well, everything.
The newly released special is a departure from Gadsby’s work on stage so far, which has focused on topics like neurodivergency (Gadsby is autistic), family dysfunction, mental health and other heavy topics. The comedian teases the audience that all the chatter about how this special would be more lighthearted than “Nanette” and “Douglas,” released in 2020, could be an elaborate ruse. Is existentialism and social reckoning right around the corner? Nah. Gadsby, as they remind us in example after example, is not a good liar.
This special, like the others, is about where Gadsby is at this moment in time. And, happily, this moment is a good one. “I didn’t expect to get married,” Gadsby tells Pride Source in a recent Zoom interview. “So I thought that was an interesting enough place to begin. Also, I believe my audience has invested in me. I shared my pain and my trauma and my difficulties, and I think it would be weird to hide my current state of joy. That would feel like a disingenuous approach. So I really wanted to share that.”
Gadsby’s marriage to producer Jenney Shamash, who the comedian calls “Jenno,” has been surprising in one way, the comedian says. “Being surrounded by straight, unhappy married people my whole
life, I’m mostly surprised that it’s not so miserable. Like, you hear comedians talk about it: ‘My wife’s this. My wife’s that.’ Why did you marry that horrible person you keep complaining about?” they joke.
Gadsby says that as they toured with the new material, audiences responded in a way that made it clear this was a show they wanted and, in many ways, needed. “It’s going to be a feel-good show because I believe I owe you one,” they say in the special. “I have dragged you through a bit of my shit over the years, and you’ve stuck with me. Much obliged! But it’s time for some payoff.” Still, Gadsby is happy to dig into the heavy stuff during our time together, acknowledging the deeply disturbing culture wars happening in the U.S. with the LGBTQ+ community at the center — especially LGBTQ+ kids and young adults. “I was a young person during a very similar time, but without the internet — so it wasn’t that similar,” Gadsby says. “But the anti-gay rhetoric that I grew up with — the discourse surrounding me when I was growing up — was frighteningly similar to that which we’re experiencing now.”
Coming of age in tiny Tasmania, an Australian island state some 150 miles south of the mainland, Gadsby said they felt isolated, a struggle in and of itself. But today’s younger generation is experiencing an anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment “everywhere all at once.”
“So it’s incredibly difficult, particularly, to be a young queer person in this moment,” they add. “And I can’t speak to that experience. I’m not queer… That is a joke. I’m not . But, I wanted to lead with the fact that I’ve overcome the trauma of this kind of environment.” Gadsby is frustrated that the world is experiencing a new wave of anti-queer sentiment. “Part of the rage in ‘Nanette’ was the fact that we don’t learn,” they say. “Why aren’t we learning? Why can’t we learn? And I still have that rage. There’s still a fight to be fought, but there’ll be time for that. I just felt like we need a break also because we’re fighting for our right to exist.” Gadsby notes that people trying to oppress the queer community don’t actually have skin in the game. “They’re not going home and wondering if they’ll be safe. They’re already safe. That’s what we have to
remember as a community. It’s like we have to look after ourselves and each other, on a very personal level.”
Looking after each other can be challenging for people experiencing trauma — the tendency can be to retreat into isolation. “Yeah, that’s what trauma does,” Gadsby says. “And what’s going on at the moment is incredibly traumatic. We’re in a new place, and it’s frightening, but I think it’s horrible to think that I’m an ‘elder’ and I’m only 45, but we have to do our bit to help relieve the pressure.”
In many ways, Gadsby’s presence on stage is a billboard for intersectionality. They are frank about their identity as a genderqueer lesbian and their 2017 autism diagnosis, aspects of Gadsby’s personhood that has made it challenging for the entertainment world to figure out where they belong.
“Before I even began my career, I was difficult to categorize my entire life, and not for a lack of trying,” Gadsby says. “But I think that’s where my comedy begins — it’s me trying to be what people would prefer I be, and my persistent failure is what has gotten me here. I think I’m… close. I’m always close, but just always fall short. But I think that’s where comedy lives, so it’s not a problem.” Neurodiversity has been a central topic in all three Netflix specials. “And I’m really keen not to tell autism, and rather to show it. That’s what this show really is. It’s showing autism.”
At one point in “Something Special,” Gadsby recounts two separate stories involving awkward encounters with Jodie Foster. In one, Gadsby crumples up a bit of cardboard where Foster had written down her phone number, right in front of Foster (one of Gadsby’s sensory issues relates to feeling “very irritated” when they have to hold small and irregular-shaped objects against their palms). In another, Gadsby responds to a birthday gift from Foster by saying “I’ve already got Bananagrams!” and then chucks the present to the side. The stories are universal on one hand — virtually everyone can conjure up encounters they’d like to do over — but resonate strongly with the neurodiverse community.
Foster, Gadsby says, was gracious about the incidents. “She was there with a wife and they just kept on being amazing, kind, generous people,” they remember. “She’s very competitive at charades, though. I will give her that,” Gadsby adds.
Throughout the special, Gadsby stresses how important it has been to have Jenno by their side as both their romantic partner and producer of their shows, describing their relationship like the sport of curling. “I’m the giant puck,” they say in the show. “And every morning, we have a little team meeting and go, ‘This is where you need to go, this is how fast you’re gonna go there, this is the line you’re gonna take,’ and then we send me out, and there’s not a fucking thing I can do about it.” Perhaps neurodiversity is Gadsby’s secret super power? “Maybe. Although we’ve just told everyone, so, rats!”
“But, no. You’ve always got to keep trying to make connections. That’s what we are as humans, and it’s a particularly difficult time to do that. All I can say is hang in there, and it’s not your fault.”
Mastering the Selfie
By David Magazine
In a world where selfies have become a staple of self-expression, mastering the art of capturing the perfect self-portrait has become a valuable skill. Whether you’re looking to enhance your online presence or simply boost your self-confidence, this 5-point guide will provide you with essential tips and tricks to help you master the selfie game like a pro. From finding your best angles to embracing your unique style, get ready to take your selfies to the next level.
Find Your Best Angle
Experimentation is key when it comes to mastering the art of the selfie. Take the time to explore different angles and positions to discover which ones flatter your features the most. Tilting your head slightly, angling the camera from above, or trying different poses can make a significant difference in the final result.
Lighting Is Everything
Good lighting can make or break a selfie. Natural light is generally the most flattering, so try to position yourself near a window or step outside during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering lighting. If natural light is not available, avoid direct overhead lighting, which can cast unflattering shadows, and instead opt for diffused or evenly distributed lighting.
Background and Composition
Pay attention to your surroundings and choose a background that complements your look and adds visual interest to the selfie. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds that may take attention away from you. Additionally, consider the composition of the photo. Use the rule of thirds by positioning yourself off-center, or experiment with symmetry for a more balanced composition.
Express Yourself
Selfies are an opportunity to showcase your personality and express yourself. Experiment with different facial expressions, poses, and gestures to capture the mood or message you want to convey. Remember to be authentic and let your true self shine through in the photo.
Editing and Filters
Post-processing can enhance the overall look of your selfie. Use editing tools available on your phone or computer to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance. However, be mindful not to go overboard with filters or excessive editing, as it can distort your appearance and undermine the authenticity of the photo.
Bonus Tip!
Practice and Confidence
Like any skill, mastering the selfie takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve the perfect selfie right away. Take plenty of photos, experiment with different techniques, and learn from each attempt. Also, remember that confidence plays a significant role in capturing a great selfie. Embrace your uniqueness, celebrate your individuality, and let your self-assuredness shine through in your photos.
Remember, the ultimate goal of a selfie is not just to capture a visually appealing image but to express yourself and document moments of your life. So have fun, be creative, and enjoy the process of mastering the art of the selfie!
David Spotlight
Frutty Tea
As a prelude to the big Joining Hearts weekend, the Atlanta Eagle is hosting a tea dance. There will be a $10 beer bust and a $20 margarita bust, and DJ Val Verra will make sure to keep the dancefloor busy. Proceeds from the tea dance will benefit Joining Hearts.
WHEN: Sunday, July 9, 3-7 pm
WHERE: The Atlanta Eagle
Sunday Service
The July edition of Vicki Powell’s Sunday Service gathers the resident DJs of Deep South – Vicki Poweel, Alexis Curshé, and Brian Rojas – for a night of fellowship and dancing under the open summer sky. Stay tuned for more info on pop-up drag show and guest DJs.
WHEN: Sunday, July 7, 7 pm - midnight
WHERE: Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium
DAVID Magazine Check out David Magazine Online & more!
Capturing Identity
By David Magazine
Exploring Selfie Culture in the LGBTQ+ Community
In an age where smartphones have become extensions of our arms, the phenomenon of selfie culture has taken the world by storm. From celebrities to everyday individuals, capturing self-portraits has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. However, this article delves deeper into the impact of selfie culture on selfimage, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. We explore the significance of self-representation and how selfies empower individuals to express their identities.
Selfie Culture and Self-Image
Selfie culture has fundamentally reshaped our perception of self-image. It provides a platform for individuals to curate their online personas, choosing carefully constructed images that highlight their desired attributes. In the context of the LGBTQ+ community, this holds immense importance as self-expression and identity validation are often key elements of personal growth.
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, selfies have become a means of embracing and celebrating their true selves. By capturing and sharing images that reflect their authentic identities, they can connect with like-minded individuals, foster a sense of community, and challenge societal norms. Selfies offer a space for individuals to showcase their diverse expressions of gender identity, sexuality, and personal style, cultivating a more inclusive online culture.
Prevalence of Selfie Culture in the LGBTQ+ Community
While selfie culture is not exclusive to any particular group, it is worth exploring its prevalence within the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community has historically faced marginalization and erasure, leading to a desire for visibility and representation. Selfies serve as powerful tools to combat these challenges, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to reclaim their narratives and present themselves authentically.
Within the LGBTQ+ community, selfies have played a significant role in empowering individuals and fostering self-acceptance. Through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, queer influencers have gained prominence, using selfies as a means of self-expression and advocacy. By capturing their experiences, struggles, and triumphs, these individuals inspire others within the community to embrace their own identities and overcome societal barriers.
Moreover, selfies have facilitated the formation of online support networks and created spaces for marginalized voices to be heard. From hashtag movements like #TransIsBeautiful to showcasing diverse representations of queerness, selfies have become a catalyst for social change and a source of empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community.
Challenges and Considerations
While selfie culture can be a powerful tool for selfaffirmation, it is important to acknowledge the potential pitfalls. The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, body image issues, and comparison can negatively impact self-esteem and mental health. It is crucial to strike a balance between self-expression and self-care, recognizing that self-worth extends beyond the curated images we present to the world.
Selfie culture has had a profound impact on our selfimage, allowing individuals to assert their identities and challenge societal norms. Within the LGBTQ+ community, selfies have become a potent tool for selfexpression, fostering visibility, and building a sense of belonging. By capturing and sharing their stories, queer individuals are reshaping narratives, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting world. As we navigate the complexities of selfie culture, let us celebrate the power of selfrepresentation while prioritizing self-care and mental well-being.
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736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com
66 12th St NE
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465 Boulevard SE
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THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
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494 Plasters Ave NE
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MARY’S marysatlanta.com
1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH
sisterlouisaschurch.com
466 Edgewood Ave SE
DINING
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CASA ALMENARA
991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
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132 10th St NE
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900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM
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DEKALB
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3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL MIDTOWN
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