Pirates, Vikings and Skateboarders (w/ Liv Hewson)
Aug 8, 2023
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Liv Hewson, actor on Yellowjackets and Santa Clarita Diet, discusses their journey to top surgery, recommends queer literature, and shares their love for Sam Reid in Interview with the Vampire. They explore the challenges of accessing surgery for trans individuals and reflect on the fluidity of masculinity and femininity. Additionally, they delve into personal style, the importance of queer archives, and the impact of increasing mainstream awareness on their life.
Embrace true gender identity and reject societal norms; cisgender people need to understand and accept gender diversity.
Connect with queer history and engage with the work of queer authors; preservation and sharing of knowledge inspire future generations.
Deep dives
Embracing Identity and Rejecting Societal Norms
The guest, Liv Houston, discusses their experience as a non-binary person and emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true gender identity and rejecting societal norms. They reject the notion that being non-binary is a burden or something to be dealt with, instead asserting that it is cisgender people who need to do the work to understand and accept gender diversity. Liv encourages a shift in perspective, where cisgender people are responsible for their own discomfort and should aim to educate themselves and learn from queer and trans voices.
Finding Peace and Possibility in Gender Expression
Liv shares their personal journey of self-discovery and self-expression, discussing their style and fashion choices. They describe their affinity for soft androgyny with a touch of theatrical flair, often drawing inspiration from historical aesthetics like those of pirates and new romantics. Liv finds comfort and joy in clothing that feels good and reflects their inner identity, embracing a style that is versatile and timeless. Their fashion choices embody a sense of freedom and opportunity, allowing them to explore different ways of being and challenging societal expectations of gender.
Connecting with Queer History and Archiving
Liv highlights the importance of connecting with queer history and archiving. They emphasize the need to seek out and engage with the work of queer authors and thinkers, particularly from the past. This includes examining writings, documentaries, and other cultural artifacts that shed light on queer experiences throughout history. Liv suggests that delving into the queer archive provides a sense of empowerment and belonging, reminding themselves and others that queer and trans people have always existed and have created remarkable contributions to society. They encourage the preservation and sharing of this knowledge to lift up marginalized voices and inspire future generations.
Raising the Bar and Shifting Perspectives
Liv challenges the low standards and expectations society often places on gender and queer individuals. They assert the importance of raising the bar and expecting more from cisgender individuals, encouraging them to educate themselves and treat queer and trans people with respect and understanding. Liv suggests that by setting higher expectations, we can foster deeper and more meaningful relationships and promote a society where everyone is valued and accepted. They advocate for a shift in perspective from scarcity and limitations to one of abundance and possibility, creating a world where diverse gender identities are celebrated and normalized.
Actor Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets, Santa Clarita Diet) talks their journey to top surgery, their queer literature recommendations, and Sam Reid in Interview with the Vampire.
Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world.