When it comes to politics, Lady Bunny doesn’t mince words. “LGBTQ people,” she says bluntly, “if Democrats don’t act when they have the majorities, then we’re screwed. Codifying Roe v. Wade, Medicare for all—these are the issues that matter.”
Criticism of the Democratic Party, she says, often gets misinterpreted. “Because I criticize Democrats a lot, some people automatically assume I’m a Republican. That’s really dumb,” she laughs. “I advocate for leftist positions—Medicare for all, paid sick leave, affordable healthcare, higher education, housing. And yes, I support coverage for trans healthcare procedures. But is everyone else’s healthcare covered, too? That’s the question.”
Lady Bunny doesn’t hold back on critiquing major LGBTQ organizations either. “I’d like to hear from people whose messages aren’t crafted by GLAAD or HRC,” she says. “The head of GLAAD is being investigated for lavish spending, including trips to Davos. Does anyone know that’s where their contributions are going?” She’s equally skeptical of HRC, pointing out that the organization’s silence on Palestine coincided with major sponsorship from weapons manufacturer Northrop Grumman. “Weapons manufacturers on an equality website? Disgraceful.”
Politics, she insists, is not her world. “I have no interest in running for office. Politics isn’t about truth—it’s about perceptions, often manipulated in very cynical ways,” she says, citing the example of Biden’s former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “Being a historic queer Black woman doesn’t give you a free pass to parrot political positions without question.”
Her critique extends beyond party politics to identity politics itself. “One person getting a big job—like Hillary Clinton or Kamala Harris—doesn’t change much for the average woman. Representation matters, but only if it reflects real experiences,” she says. She’s unapologetic in calling out figures she sees as misrepresenting their communities, from Nikki Haley to Caitlyn Jenner.
Yet, for all her political fervor, Lady Bunny’s heart is in performance. Asked about her creative process, she recalls discovering a clip of herself from the ’90s performing a song from the musical Applause. “I’ve always loved little obscure songs,” she says. “But now I try to mix it up with big Broadway hits—Wicked, Chicago, The Greatest Showman—songs people know but that drag queens have made their own through lip sync.”
Her shows are carefully crafted for her audience. “Some people are easily triggered, so I make it clear: 18 and up,” she says, laughing. “I’m not the one to put dildos and all that in front of kids.”
When asked about the meaning of “queer” today, Lady Bunny offers a thoughtful reflection on generational differences. “Queer was a slur to people my age,” she says. “For older gay men, it was the word that made you afraid in school. I get that younger folks have reclaimed it, but adding letters to represent everyone isn’t the solution. Let’s focus on a shared purpose, one flag, one message.”
Her perspective on audiences across the U.S. is surprisingly consistent. “They love me everywhere,” she says. “Sure, some smaller cities are more laid-back, but the laughter and applause are universal.”
And when it comes to the rest of the world? Lady Bunny admits she’s an Anglophile. “I’ve lived in England, my parents lived there, I still have some of my dearest friends there. I have an affinity for it.”
Even with her global perspective, she returns to what she cares about most: social justice and integrity. “It would be wonderful if people realized that much of our tax dollars prop up the U.S. as a military bully, while programs like SNAP are being cut,” she says.
As for her upcoming show in town on the 25th, expect the Lady Bunny you know and love: bold, hilarious, and unflinchingly honest. “I always have fun up there,” she says. “And you must see it for yourself.”
Grab your tix to Lady Bunny Butchers Broadway at the Emerald City Comedy Club on Broadway in Capitol Hill on Tues, November 25th. Click HERE.
You also catch the show in Portland on Wed, November 26th at the Helium Comedy Club. Click HERE.
