Suzy Izzard, Speaks on Challenges of Being a trans Woman in Politics

Attempting to make a considerable impact and create a more diverse political landscape, acclaimed comedian and actor Eddie Izzard, known also as Suzy, sought to become a Labour MP. However, according to Suzy, her journey has been marred by the fact of her being a trans woman, which she suggested, may have negatively impacted her chances.

In 2020, the notable actor from Doctor Jekyll came forward with the intention to compete as the Labour candidate for the Brighton Pavilion during the looming general election. This was shortly after the incumbent MP, Caroline Lucas of the Green Party, stated her decision not to contest the seat again.

Fast-forward to December of the following year, it was to Eddie’s disappointment that she didn’t get selected. Instead, Tom Gray – a Mercury-Prize-winning musician – was chosen to run for the Labour party.

This wasn’t her first time making an attempt at becoming a MP. Previously, in 2022, Eddie put herself forward as a potential parliamentary candidate for Labour representing Sheffield Central. Nevertheless, she fell short in the member’s ballot selection procedure.

Perception of Transgender People in Politics

An interesting perspective was shared by Izzard during an interview she granted with The Times. In her belief, being transgender could be a potent obstacle against one’s prospects in politics. Even if a trans person is chosen to stand for an election, their gender identity may significantly impede their chance of winning.

During her bid for selection, she expressed frustration that her being trans was the focal point of the process. She believed that it overshadowed all of her career accomplishments and professional capabilities. Izzard reflected, “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.”

This raises the contentious issue of representation and acceptability of transgender individuals in mainstream politics. Edwards explained that while the average person might be supportive of her intentions to run for office, the real landmine lies within the realm of politics itself. In her view, those deeply entwined in politics would hesitate to select someone who deviates from their norm.

Prerequisites and Potential Setbacks

Izzard touched on how people engage with politics, commenting that ingrained bias some may have toward perceived difference. “Politicos”, as she described them, are inclined to vote based on a certain set of criteria and would rather vote for individuals who reflect their existing ideologies and principles. On this note, Izzard said, “Politicos have a set of criteria that they vote on and they want you to replicate them.”

Despite these potential stumbling blocks, Izzard contended that she possesses qualities essential to effective political leadership. “I have all this energy, I can analyse things, I can analyse systems, which is needed in politics, and I can communicate. I think a lot of people would vote for that,” she said.

Despite the potential downside of her gender identity igniting anti-trans backlash and dissuading her supporters from rallying behind her, Suzy remains unwavering. She insists that it’s not her in particular who’s under attack, rather, those associated with supporting her cause also face the brunt of opposition.

She noted how supporting transgender candidates could be daunting for some people, saying, “It’s not me in particular that’s under attack, but anyone who supports me does get hit by a wall of this stuff. If you’re going to stand up and say, ‘I support this person’, you need to goad yourself to do that.”

Unwavering Ambition

Notwithstanding these hurdles and setbacks, Izzard has restated her unwavering ambition to become a Labour MP. She firmly believes in her potential to positively contribute to the political landscape despite the perceived challenges she faces because of her gender identity.

Izzard began speaking publicly about being transgender back in 1985. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that she fully adopted the use of she/her pronouns. In the following year, she revealed her decision to start using the name Suzy in addition to Eddie. This journey provides significant context to her passion for politics and advocacy for greater acceptance and representation of the transgender community in British politics.