With Pride events cancelled due to COVID-19, there’s no doubt there will be an impact on the LGBTQ+ community. We chatted with Suzi Ruffell, comedian and CALM ambassador, to talk about her new podcast, Pride, and how she plans to celebrate.
From Isolated Laughs to Comedy Against Living Miserably, these utterly weird times haven’t stopped Suzi spreading the LOLs. She’s 10 episodes into her new podcast Out with Suzi Ruffell, which explores the inspiring lives of LGBTQ+ people – with guests boasting Oscars, BAFTAs, and even the title of Baroness.
“I wanted to get a diverse selection of queer people who are inspiring and hopeful in their own ways. I sometimes find there’s often some sort of tragedy linked to gay stories that are out in the media, so with this podcast – it links into the kind of comedy that I like to create which is about putting joy out there”.
You’ll also hear stories from Suzi’s listeners and followers: “I wanted there to be an element of audience participation. I wanted to celebrate the listeners too. There’ll be people listening that have never told their family, whose parents are no longer here, or who don’t have relationships with their parents. I think it’s hopeful and affirming to hear that people’s minds can be changed and they can come around in a way that you weren’t expecting them to”.
Suzi’s dedication to opening up the conversation and making LGBTQ+ voices heard extends to her participation in Pride. It’s something she feels will be keenly missed in 2020.