Seattle Gay News
Issue 25, Volume 40, June 22, 2012
Section 4 Performing Arts
Sandra does Seattle The comedic icon talks marriage equality, Twitter, and what ‘smart straight people’ have in common with Gays by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer
EVA TUERBL
SANDRA BERNHARD THE TRIPLE DOOR JUNE 21-23 The always outspoken Sandra Bernhard will be in Seattle during Pride weekend as part of her national tour, “I Love Being Me, Don’t You?” Bernhard, no stranger to the LGBT community, has been poking fun at pop culture, right-wing politics, and even Grindr during a career that has spanned more than 30 years. The fact that Bernhard’s appearance coincides with Pride is just that, a coincidence. Initially, she had planned to make her Seattle stop earlier this year, but decided to push the dates back. For her, part of the reason was Seattle’s summer climate. “I haven’t been to Seattle in a long time,” Bernhard told SGN. Bernhard reminisced about performing in small bars, theaters, and other venues in Seattle during the 1970s, when her career was just starting. And though she may not be able to remember the names of
the places, she does remember the weather. “[They were] smaller venues that probably don’t exist anymore,” said Bernhard. “But I’ve covered the waterfront in Seattle, literally and figuratively.” From being rumored to have had a relationship with Madonna, to playing one of the first regularly featured Lesbian/Bisexual characters on network TV (as Nancy Bartlett on the hit sitcom Roseanne), Bernhard has always been either in or on the periphery of the LGBT community. She describes her own sexuality as “relaxed.” “I’ve been really lucky to be on projects that I think have been ahead of the curve. Roseanne was edgy and interesting,” said Bernhard. Bernhard, who has published a bit of fiction herself, also played writer Charlotte Birch on Showtime’s hit, The L Word. “It wasn’t super deep,” said Bernhard of the role. “She was there as a device to make that particular character [Jenny Schecter] uncomfortable, which she succeeded in doing. It was fun.” If you’ve managed to catch some of Bernhard’s current tour already,
don’t hesitate to stop by the Triple Door on your Pride marathon. Bernhard assures us that her act is everchanging. “Everybody knows that my work is very topical. I’m sure by the time I get to Seattle next week, the act will have changed. Every act of mine is a work in progress. They’re very ephemeral.” Bernhard wasn’t aware that she’d be in Seattle on Pride weekend, but was pleasantly surprised by the news. “I hope that means the people will be out. It will be the best thing all weekend, I can promise you that,” Bernhard told SGN. Bernhard headlined the main stage at San Francisco Pride last year. “I don’t think of my Gay fans as any different than my smart straight fans,” she said. “I think there’s a Gay sensibility. To me everybody who’s smart has a Gay sensibility. My entire show appeals to that sensibility.” SGN asked Bernhard to speak on marriage equality, as Washington is currently a same-sex marriage battleground. “It’s obvious,” she told SGN. “I think it should be implemented across the board. Until it becomes a federal law, it doesn’t have the impact it should.” Aside from her acting, one-woman shows, and singing, Bernhard is also a Twitter star, with more than 170,000 followers. “I love Twitter … it’s the fun of putting out an idea in the moment,” Bernhard told SGN. “I love that I don’t have to wait until I perform.” Bernhard will do five shows during her three-night stand at the Triple Door: three at 7:30 p.m. (June 2123) and two at 10 p.m. (June 22 and 23). The early shows are intended to be 17+ while the later shows are 21+, but she says there won’t be much difference between them. “I feel like my shows are really accessible to everyone. I don’t ever consider my act to be purposefully dirty,” said Bernhard. “To me it’s a sophistication thing. I don’t see any sort of reason kids couldn’t go, unless their parents are super-rightwing.” There’s no doubt the always outrageous and unequivocal Bernhard will wow you during Pride. She will be backed by a four-piece band for a no-holds-barred evening of energetic and brazen humor, satire, and live performance. For tickets visit www.thetripledoor.net, or call (206) 838-4333.
Sandra Bernhard
e t o v o t RegisteR
www.myvote.wa.gov