This episode features none other than Izzy Gleicher and begins with a welcome message by Brice Izyah![00:00:00] Hey, what's up? It's Bryce Isaiah and this is The Pride Has Spoken. It is truly an honor to watch the growth of The Pride Has Spoken and to watch the growth of the queer and LGBTQ plus community
[00:00:13] thrive on Survivor. Not only exist, not only be there, but thriving. I absolutely love it. And from my days on Kage on, it's truly a blessing to see what the franchise has turned into.
[00:00:26] And I love it. And I hope that it gets more gay because listen, the gays are here and we are not going in me. Welcome back to the final episode of The Pride Has Spoken for 2024. My name is
[00:00:55] Grace Leder. But of course, I'm not alone. First, I'm here with Matt Scott. Matt, how are you doing? Happy to be here. Thrilled to be here. Happy Pride. It's still Pride. We've been priding it up
[00:01:05] all month. Pride everywhere. You have to be listening to this on the last day that it comes out for it to still be Pride, technically. But that's OK. No, Pride 365. We do Pride every day,
[00:01:16] everywhere. And Grace, we don't do it alone. We are also joined by the one, the only Dr. Evy Jagoda. Evy, how's it going? What's up? This is Evy. I use they them pronouns. I'm so excited to be here
[00:01:33] with you both. Did you both share your pronouns? I might have missed it. No, I forgot. Trying to make sure that we do this. Yeah, I use she her pronouns. So, yeah. Yes. And I'm Matt. I use he him
[00:01:45] pronouns. Thank you for asking. Yeah, no problem. This has been such a sweet season of The Pride Has Spoken. I really feel like every season has been special and fantastic. And this is no
[00:01:57] exception. And I think, yeah, I just am so thrilled that we get to do this. And yeah, it was a good one. And so thank you to everyone who's been listening and tweeting love and sent so much
[00:02:10] love to all the players along the way, especially Deshaun for his big coming out episode, which was just really special. So just thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everyone.
[00:02:21] Yeah. And I think it's so cool just like between Deshaun, but also with everyone for continuing to be visible. I remember before we posted Deshaun's episode and IT was like, oh, someone, you have a survivor who's sharing their story and coming out in the context of this podcast.
[00:02:39] And someone was like, is it Kelly? And I'm like, Kelly is out. Kelly is engaged. But like, it's so cool that Kelly Coutura especially can be so visible to you in ways that they weren't
[00:02:50] fully on the show. And I love that we could have this space together to create that space, not only for these players, but also for the fans to hear those stories. And I could honestly say
[00:03:03] there aren't two other podcasters I would rather do this with. So thankful to be here with both of you for all of this. And that's really sweet, Matt. And we get to close out this season with
[00:03:16] a first in The Pride Has Spoken history, a non-survivor player. We're featuring you wonderful, the iconic Izzy from Big Brother 25. So all around, we've crushed it this season. The amazing players are just fantastic. And we thank them all for being here with us.
[00:03:33] Yeah, it's such a fun lineup of people that we had from Jam Jam and Kelly Coutura, obviously Deshawn's episode, and now finishing it off with Izzy, which is, yeah, so fun. It's a great interview. I'm very excited for people to hear it.
[00:03:46] Yeah, I love that we can't be limited. You know, queerness is limitless. And some people may ask who threw the first brick at Stonewall. I might ask who was the first Big Brother player on The Pride Has Spoken. Wow. Same level of history.
[00:04:04] What is history? It's history. We'll look back at this. Helping us make queer history here on RHAP for sure. Well, I feel like one of the other very exciting things that we did this season,
[00:04:17] people are very excited about it, is that this year we have new merch. We have The Pride Has Spoken buffs. If you have not received or been able to order yet, don't worry. They're coming.
[00:04:28] So we did a pre-order for people and we hit our pre-order goal, which was originally just 100 buffs we wanted to get to be able to order them. And we doubled that. We got over 200 pre-orders.
[00:04:39] So the buffs have been a little delayed in getting to Derek behind the scenes, who has been a tremendous support as long as I have everyone else at Rob as a podcast.
[00:04:50] You should be getting an email soon if you filled out the pre-order form. You should be getting an email soon where you'll be able to order, actually pay for the buff and get it shipped to you.
[00:05:00] Some people who filled out the form, you didn't put your email. You just wrote, okay, when we asked you for your email. So if you don't get one, I'm sorry. But if you don't get the email, once Derek has... We've let the pre-orders
[00:05:14] a link go on for a little while. We'll then open up to see if we have any other buffs available. I'm hoping we will, there is a chance we sold out in their limited edition buffs,
[00:05:24] but we shall see. And I'm very excited to say that I don't have the exact number, but I believe we'll be able to upwards of five and a half thousand dollars. We should be able to donate to every the point of pride. That's so freaking cool. Upwards of $5,000
[00:05:42] going to the point of pride. Thanks to all of you. And point of pride, as we know, provides financial aid and direct support to trans folks in need of healthcare and wellness care.
[00:05:53] And that's just actually unbelievable that we were able to raise so much money for them. And that's money that's going to go directly to helping trans people. So what an awesome thing.
[00:06:02] And we'd want to thank everybody who is going to buy a buff that is contributing to that. And if you want to just make a donation to that org as well, my dad actually did that, which is really
[00:06:13] nice and cool and meaningful to me. So yeah, it's a great org and we're really thrilled to be able to support them so much. Yeah, that's fantastic. And even though I'd imagine it won't be pride
[00:06:27] month once the buffs get to you, like post your pictures, tag us all on social media with those posts, hashtag the pride has spoken, tag RHAP. We want to see those and all wear our buffs together. So thank you so much for being part of that. What?
[00:06:46] What were you? May the buff be with you? I don't know. All right. Well, what a lovely season. I think it's been so heavy. Matt, it's always a pleasure to get to create this thing with you. I really love doing this. And yeah, it's just so fun
[00:07:05] seeing the sort of support and love come in either on the Hellscape known as X or on Instagram or in the YouTube comments. It's been such a delight. What a great season. And I hope people have enjoyed it.
[00:07:19] Yeah. And I wanted to give a big plug if this was the first season you've listened to this podcast. We've had amazing interviews over the last two years. I'm just going to say
[00:07:28] everybody that we've interviewed. And if you're interested in looking at any of these, check us out spot Spotify, Apple podcast, all the podcasts that YouTube we've had Bryce Isaiah, Zeke Smith and Lersa Torres, Amy, Ty, a panel with with our podcasters, which is super cool. And episode four
[00:07:48] of season one that was actually really special and cool to hear from queer members of the RGP community. Ricard closed out Survivor the first season. Then we had Carla, Hi, Missy, Todd in the second season. Fantastic. Amazing. Ridiculous. And then of course, this season, Jam Jam, Dashaun,
[00:08:08] Kelly, Katara and now Izzy. What an amazing collection. And this is all really special. So if you haven't listened to any of those, I really recommend them all. They're evergreen and ever
[00:08:18] beautiful. So yeah, and I think the other piece of it too, that's so cool is that in the midst of all of it, we just have interspersed so many different voices from in season one on that
[00:08:29] podcast or episode. There were a ton of voicemails from queer Survivor players this season. We had a bunch of other voicemails or voice messages that came in. We had Erica opening up one episode with
[00:08:39] a beautiful message and a handful of other folks. So so many queer people. It's cool to know that we're in this together, especially because I know for so many of us watching this show as kids,
[00:08:52] we didn't see ourselves or feel that there were others like us watching. And now we almost can't count all of us. It's insane. We keep multiplying. I know. Thank goodness there was five Sundays in
[00:09:04] June this year. Yeah. Let's mandate that. Or I don't know if we have that much control, Matt, but we can try. We'll try. Yeah. All right. Well, I'm very excited for people to listen to
[00:09:17] the interview with Izzy. And I think without further ado, we'll send it over there and then we'll see you next time. Happy Pride, everybody. Happy Pride. It is my absolute honor to welcome
[00:09:34] to The Pride Has Spoken, our first ever Big Brother player coming at you from that Big Brother season that had Suri on it. We've got Izzy here, the flute dyke herself. And yeah, we're so happy that you're here, Izzy. Welcome, welcome, welcome. I'm stoked about it. You know,
[00:09:51] like Survivor is my jam. So I am like extra honored and grateful to to have made it onto this. So thank you so much. I'm super stoked. Hell yeah. Hell yeah. I have to say for myself,
[00:10:04] like when so I had really never watched any Big Brother before. And then I was like, OK, here's Suri on the show. So I'm going to check it out. Yeah. And so just I was I got there and
[00:10:12] was like, oh, thank God there's a lesbian. Thank God. I and then and then you got to have like the ultimate Survivor player dream of being besties with Suri. So, yeah, you're an icon.
[00:10:25] And the community is so lucky that you're one of us. I appreciate that so much. It was yeah, it was wild. Yes, absolutely. Yeah. So I don't know. We like to kind of just like
[00:10:39] go for it of like, you know, you Izzy and would love to kind of know how do you define yourself and your queer identity and what was any any parts of that journey you'd like to share? And then
[00:10:50] yeah, like the pre Big Brother, pre Big Brother parts of your life, you know? Yeah. Yeah. I guess like so much of my identity is actually like wrapped up in my career, but really just like
[00:11:02] my art and my music making and the flute as corny as it sounds was like really like my first love. Like I have no memories before playing the flute. So it's just like a part of my DNA, it feels like.
[00:11:17] But growing up, I grew up like, you know, my mom would be so mad if I didn't say this, like truly in the most supportive, positive household to be a young queer kid. And I always say like,
[00:11:30] it's, you know, it's proof that the world also raises us because I couldn't have been more scared or in the closet or confused about my identity for like my entire childhood, you know?
[00:11:46] So that's like a devastating realization in some ways. And like playing the flute, there are a lot of sort of unspoken expectations of what like a, you know, quote female flute player looks like.
[00:12:00] And I just like never felt like any of those things, you know? And like as I slowly, you know, got more comfortable, like really like, you know, representing my gender identity and the
[00:12:12] way that I dress and look and, you know, I just remember countless times standing on stage next to like very cis, very beautiful, like in ball gown, you know, chicks and I'm, you know, and I'm standing
[00:12:25] there and like, you know, a blazer and like leather pants or something. So yeah, so that's, so I feel like my, in some ways playing Big Brother was like my chance. I feel so proud of my identity. Someone's
[00:12:38] trying to get into my building right now. So you, if you can hear that, but yeah, Big Brother was like my chance to like be without my flute, like just be Izzy, honestly, just be like, you know, the
[00:12:52] dyke that I am, you know, away from that. And so yeah, it was like a wild experience and I've thought about the gay and queer and like other experience on reality TV since I, you know, always. And so
[00:13:09] I think that was also definitely, yeah, definitely a driving force of like, I don't see a lot of me, you know, and that's not flattering me. That's like devastating to me. And so that was like really important. And I will say that like the community I've experienced post-show,
[00:13:25] like in the fans relating to that aspect has been like more, I don't know, rewarding than I thought, you know, I would feel or something. Izzy, you said like a million things I want to do.
[00:13:38] I want to like start pulling them. I've never actually thought about what my preconceived notions of what a flute player were like until you were like, people have preconceived notions about what a flute player is. And then I'm like, I think I do have preconceived biased notions about
[00:13:51] what a flute player looks like if it was a go to a show. But one thing I want to ask, like before we like really dive into reality TV, the thing you said about realizing there was an environment that
[00:14:03] would have been like, could have been supported, like there would have been no better like environment for a young queer kid. But my understanding from what you said is that you
[00:14:10] actually were not like, when did you come out? I guess is my question. It was like a senior in college. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. And then I always joke like adolescent me is really, you know, scratch an itch. Okay. There's an op. Oh my gosh.
[00:14:28] Chaotic. Literally did say like a million things. I want to just be like, I want to talk about that. I want to talk about that. I want to talk about that. Yeah. Yeah. There
[00:14:35] was a lot, a lot of meat there. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Cause my cat will get. Nice. Did you write down the time code or? Oh yeah. I'll just, it's very early. I'll
[00:14:48] remind her to do this. Yeah. So when did, when did you, okay. You came out when you were senior college. Yeah. To me, I certainly have this like idea of like, oh, what could have been if
[00:15:00] society was better? Like what, like, like I, I, you know, I don't think it's necessarily, I don't want to say that it's easier now, but in some ways I think it probably is. I just can't speak to what
[00:15:10] that actually, like the fact that like people do come out younger now. And for me, like, I think about like, I never really had the prom I really would have wanted to have, you know, like that
[00:15:19] sort of thing. Oh, I didn't even go. I didn't even try, you know? Anyway. Yeah. Yeah. Well, that's your story. I mean like, yeah. Like why didn't you just didn't. Oh yeah. I don't know.
[00:15:29] Yeah. I mean like, yeah. I mean, I was like just as horny as everyone else, you know? In retrospect, I had crushes on like so many people. Like I absolutely knew what that felt
[00:15:41] like, but in my head I was like, I don't get it. I don't get it. Like, yeah, I'm supposed to, everyone thinks Kelvin is like amazing. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Oh yeah. Kelvin, you know? Yes.
[00:15:51] And so like, yeah. The idea of going to a dance or whatever, I don't know. Like, yeah. It felt like insurmountable or something. I totally get this. The reaction of like, why would I go through
[00:16:01] something that I know is inauthentic versus like, for me it was more of the risk of like, oh, if I don't do it, everyone's going to, I always joke about like, did you watch the show
[00:16:09] and you're like, did you watch Will and Grace? It's like, no, everyone thought I was gay. Like, so I went to proms where people would be like, okay, but there, Grace is at prom.
[00:16:18] Everything's totally normal and straight and cis over there. You know? Could I tell you a funny thing? Like, you know, Facebook, scary place, send me like a notification that of like
[00:16:28] a memory or something. And it's from high school and I'm like leaning against a wall and like this chick, I remember her shout out to Crystal. Like, and she was like standing behind, you know, in
[00:16:38] front of me, like I have my hand around her waist and it was like, I laughed. I almost like, I mean, I laughed. I almost wanted to cry because it was like, wow, this is like the most comfortable
[00:16:46] picture of high school that I've ever seen in, you know? Anyway. So that's, no, shout out to Facebook for that memory, but nothing else. I'm in the time zone where it's like, I do not like
[00:16:58] the Facebook memories I'm getting about like 15 years ago. You know, it's like, I don't like it. Do you all have this? I have that, like the pictures of me up until like age seven are feel
[00:17:10] like me, like I'm wearing a baseball hat and I'm looking cool and I'm like, yeah, that's embodied kidney. And then there's this weird trying to be CIS, trying to be straight, weird, weird skirts phase, you know, that is like unrecognizable. And then it like loops back at like 23.
[00:17:28] That's exactly it. That's that you said it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And that whole time you were fluting it up. I was fluting it up. Yeah. What is it about the flute? I know that's not what
[00:17:39] this is about, but it's about you. So that's right. Well, funny, funny enough. I think it was like part of I mean, I'm very like artistic in a lot of ways, like I draw
[00:17:51] very seriously and always like I'm creating stuff and like like to make things. So I think that like inherently is like a part of me. But when I was in kindergarten, we had like my public school
[00:18:03] had a partnership where we had teaching artists coming to our class and whatever their instrument was, you know, that was part of their teaching. And I just so happened to have this like amazing
[00:18:13] woman, Tanya, come and play. She played the flute. And like I mean, not to like go too far about it, but like she's gorgeous. You know what I mean? Like long, flowing, curly blonde hair
[00:18:27] and like just amazing. You know, and like she really is like me and my family always joke that she's like if there really could be a saint on earth, like it was like the most incredible woman,
[00:18:35] you know. So who knows if it was like the flute itself? Definitely music and also maybe just like not realizing how drawn to her it was, you know. Anyway, and so yeah, so I don't even remember that.
[00:18:49] My parents just tell me that every time she came to class, I would come home and I couldn't stop talking about the flute. Like yeah, the flute, quote unquote. Yeah, the flute. Yeah. You know,
[00:18:59] innuendos, they start right away. It's amazing. So obviously you talked to the thing about there not being someone like you is extremely relatable as well and feeling like it's not like yeah, there is the spin you could take of like there's no one like you and you're like,
[00:19:16] no, like there are other people like me. They just don't put them on reality TV. And so we did have this question out about like who were your like sort of like queer
[00:19:24] like inspiration? Like who did you watch and gravitate to? But I'm, you know, I'm then so interested in you being like, yeah, but also there was no one on these shows.
[00:19:31] Okay. Yeah. I mean, I will say like I, me and Paige, my fiance talk about this all the time, this moment. Lauren Rimmer from the moment in the challenge and she's the big guy. Like she's
[00:19:46] the only one left and she takes that thing and they got to get these blocks down the thing. She, with her whole chest. I was like, damn, like that's it. Like, I just want to see more
[00:19:56] of that. You know, that was like a big survivor moment. I came to watching survivor like late, you know, so I started in 2020, you know, so I can't say that like queer reality TV people
[00:20:10] were a part of like what shaped, you know, like me growing up and stuff like that. But adult like rewatch looking at that, you know, of course, like I love Parvati. I love obviously the
[00:20:20] black widow brigade, which is so queer coded in every angle that it did. And like, yes, I'm here, you know, I'm here for that. And yeah, I mean, when it comes to big brother, like, you know,
[00:20:33] I have, I will stand Casey Clark forever and ever and ever, you know that was like big, you know, for me coming becoming like a new big brother fan and everything that felt really important, you know. So yeah, that's a couple, I guess.
[00:20:49] Hell yeah, really resonate with the Lauren Rimmer. That's I think, heroes, hustlers. And I don't know if it made the edit, but on my season, Jeannie another, another icon, the same exact thing. Same challenge. So yeah, gotta love gotta love our queer people.
[00:21:11] Love it. Yeah. Yeah. And so did the, how did the, how did you decide to apply for big brother? And was, was this yeah. Was representation a piece of it? Was it something you were nervous
[00:21:23] about? Was it something you were excited about? Like, yeah. How was that for you? Yeah. I mean, like in 2020 page said to me, like, I can't believe you've never seen survivor. And thank you. Page is the better one always. And yeah, we watched season 33.
[00:21:41] Cause that's my favorite number. Like that's how we chose. About, I was like, I don't care about like being over there and be like, okay, it's like, what's your favorite number? You know, that's the season we're watching. So
[00:21:50] we watched that and we watched 34 and actually me and Sari always joke that that's my first season of her that I want. But then actually because of her, we went back and we watched
[00:22:00] 12, 16, 20, you know, we did that. So that was like my entryway into it. And I just, I don't know the minute we started watching it, it was like that feeling. It was like, oh man,
[00:22:09] I don't just love this. I actually like, think I kind of want to do this, you know? And I'm like a pretty scared person. And so I don't know that itch. I didn't talk about it for a long time
[00:22:20] because I was like a little embarrassed about it. And it's like, it doesn't feel real. Like how does anyone get on a TV show or something like that? You know? But then more and more like me
[00:22:29] and page, like just love to get high and like dive about like, you know, it takes us days sometimes to watch an episode, you know? Like we just love it. So then the sort of like strategy of it just
[00:22:40] like took over. And so that's when I started diving into, I was like, okay, well I got to watch Big Brother, you know, and all this stuff. And so I just really got mostly deep into like
[00:22:49] social strategic, you know, games. And so yeah, I had applied to Survivor a couple of times. Nice. I didn't get no goals. And then I was like, okay, well like maybe I can, you know,
[00:23:00] I applied for Big Brother and I got called like a week later. So it happened really fast and yeah, that's how it happened. It's too bad there's not a network of people who listen to,
[00:23:10] that you could really like stretch an hour of television into like 17 hours of content each week. We thought there was a network for that. If only there was a place for that where we watch Survivor for 90 minutes and then actually
[00:23:20] talk about it for like 24 hours a week. Okay. I have this theory about why queer people are good at Survivor. And if people listen to previous iterations of The Pride is Spoken, they've heard this a million times already. But basically it's that
[00:23:38] because queer people often are navigating the world in a way in which you're not always sure it's safe or like you're, like we're so, I think aware of situations and people and how people
[00:23:50] are reacting and whether or not like it feels like you could come out in this moment or not. And so you get a read of the situation and then you're like also just like maybe inherently
[00:23:59] good at lying. It's such a blanket statement about queer people, but I've had this theory about Survivor, but you're our first Big Brother contestant and I want to know from you, you've watched all this Survivor and then you've played Big Brother. Do you think there is a difference
[00:24:12] in the way a queer person might like approach their identity themselves through the game in general in a game of Survivor versus the game of Big Brother? A gigantic question that you now have to immediately try to answer.
[00:24:25] I mean, I think at the most macro level, it's the same. Like it's hard because there just are fewer of us and like, you know, you can't help but be in a room and you gravitate towards people
[00:24:39] that you feel comfortable with, especially in a situation that couldn't be more uncomfortable. Uncomfortable, you know, and it was interesting because like on like Premiere Night, you know, we're starting to see each other and we're like going into the backyard starting that first
[00:24:55] comp and everything. And I'm looking, it's like, oh boy, I clocked Jared right away. And so I just thought I was like, I was looking around. I was like, oh man, I don't know who's
[00:25:03] going to be my immediate click. I don't know. I don't know. And that was one of the reasons even before the comp, I was looking at Jared and like making sure I hugged him extra good. Like
[00:25:13] I got you, you know, when he lost the comp, I was like, that's okay. Like I'm going to be with you, you know? And then seeing Sari and put it all together. But I was frantic. I gotta say like
[00:25:24] on that first night, like looking and being like, whoo, okay. I don't know where I'm going to fall in this. And on that first night, clicks were already starting, you know, like the young
[00:25:34] people were really like hanging and all of that. And I felt very much like a floater in the house and it was a little scary. So I think like that's like the hardest thing, you know, as awful as it says, especially like a queer presenting person that like,
[00:25:51] y'all know I'm gay, you know what I mean? And so I think that can be a complicated position to be in, you know, one that I'm proud to be in. I feel awful for those that their queerness
[00:26:05] feels erased in the edit or in their representation on the show. That's like a different kind of, you know, difficulty and yeah. Or thing. No, it's not true. Queers are a monolith and all of our experiences are the exact same. I really, that experience of, of being like
[00:26:24] looking around the room and being like, oh fuck, I'm the only obvious queer person. Like, I mean, it's just such a thing that queer people experience all the time in life. And then to have that
[00:26:32] feeling like in the first moments of Big Brother, that's so stressful and frantic making I could. Yeah. I mean, I feel like I had, I looked at my cast. I was like, okay, I see Jeannie. I'm like,
[00:26:43] not the only, only one. Then there was like, we took some pregame pictures and I wore a tie and I got a lot of like thumbs ups and stuff during the night. And I was like, okay, this is going to
[00:26:51] be like, it's kind of safe, but it sounds like you went into, you started it and you were like, oh fuck. Like that, that's a really scary. It's a really scary feeling.
[00:27:00] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. One that I felt, you know, like I felt the me being maybe the first queer or out queer person that some people had met or even like shared a meal with, or just like talked about queerness with that's like something that cis straight,
[00:27:19] you know, heteronormative people don't have to deal with and don't understand. Um, you know, the bias that comes with not being that, you know, were you the only queer person on your, like, I mean, uh,
[00:27:34] oh yeah, yeah. Right. Right. Um, well like, uh, it's, we were wondering in terms of like, we, you said like, Hey, I'm like, everyone knows, but is that, is that actually how it played out?
[00:27:44] Was like, was there a moment where you did, like, was there anybody who you did, you actually did like kind of have to like have to come out to, or you, or you did come out to
[00:27:52] have to is I feel like, uh, the wrong, but like, are you, are you doing the, like, bring up page a lot? Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you always bring up page a lot. I mean, I bring up page a lot. I mean, I didn't go into it, like,
[00:28:07] funny enough, like having to keep a secret, but like, I didn't come in like wanting to hide like anything because I'm good at keeping secrets, but I didn't, I didn't want to like slip
[00:28:18] up if I was tired. So I just wanted to be me. If that, if the one thing I can control are my experiences in my life, then you're, that's what you're going to get, you know? Um,
[00:28:29] so I wasn't hiding it at all. And, um, but there, there was like a moment I'm not, I don't know if it made it onto live feeds, but there was a moment in the beginning,
[00:28:39] the first week, God damn, we just like never did anything that wasn't all 17 of us, you know, like we're just always together. And we got into this like really kind of deep, complicated conversation about race and queerness. And, um, I did end up sharing
[00:28:55] like a lot about my thoughts about, you know, all sorts of things, anything anyone wanted to ask me, you know? And that felt like very, I don't know. I, it does feel weird. Like just
[00:29:07] having one or even maybe two people that you're, that's who you're supposed to connect with. And it's like, well, I seem to actually quite a bit older than me. And also like a gay male experience is not my experience. It's not necessarily something that immediately will
[00:29:21] connect us. And like blue is really connecting with the young people in the house. And that's clearly where she feels more comfortable, which is great. But so just because there's like that as an option doesn't mean you have, you know, you can take for granted how many more
[00:29:38] options for connection, immediate connections when it comes to that other people. Oh, in real life, the only time people are like, you'll love this person. They're also queer. And you're like, they were miserable. I was just talking about a friend about like
[00:29:48] being set up, you know? It was like, remember that time in your life where like your friends only knew one other lesbian and were like, oh man, you got to go on a date. Yeah. Blah, blah, blah.
[00:30:00] I was more of thinking is it for the side effect of like that one person who is like not getting it. So now that you weren't, and in fact, you were being so obvious with someone being like,
[00:30:09] there's something about it. I was pretty obvious. Maybe my flirting with Matt in the beginning, you know, that's gay coded. I would say definitely. I really to that as a gay experience. Yeah. I have to say the one thing that is obviously so, so different about big brother
[00:30:33] and survivor is the live feed element, right? And the, the, how are you thinking about that going into it? How much were you thinking about that as it was happening? Like, and yeah, that's
[00:30:44] just crazy. I hope big brother people listen to this, but I'm sorry to the big brother people. I had never watched a season live before my season, like 25 was going to be my first season
[00:30:56] where I was going to, I was excited to watch the live feeds. And then my ass was in the live feeds. I think for me, like I, I wasn't nervous about any of anything I was going to do being a, like,
[00:31:12] I just was like, I don't know. I'm not. Yeah. Like I can be like flowerful in my language or like whatever, but I'm not actually like worried about my values. So I'm not really worried about
[00:31:25] anything being aired. So I really like, and also I don't really care that it's on TV, like, sorry to everyone. Like I, I don't care that it's TV, you know? So I just wanted to game.
[00:31:36] So I really like, wasn't thinking about it. And I, and maybe some people feel differently, but like, I feel like the cameras were like, I don't know. I didn't really notice them that much.
[00:31:45] You know, I had one camera over my bed, which you can't help, but notice that, but which I talked to a lot, but other than that, it was like, not, I don't know. I don't know. I just,
[00:31:56] I wasn't nervous about it. I didn't think about a lot. Some people really thought about it and I thought it like messed with them a little bit, you know? Cause like you're yeah. You're just too
[00:32:05] worried about appearances instead of actually just being present in the moment. And I just worked really, I really did spend a lot of time working really hard to be just like totally present.
[00:32:14] Um, yeah. Yeah. Well, I think, I think you probably have to, in your, like in your own, let you have to get to a point where that, that like you were saying, like, you wanted to be so
[00:32:25] authentically, you didn't want to hide anything. And that's partially just because you were like, if I'm tired and I mess up, like, I don't want to ruin my game on, like, I lied about my occupation
[00:32:34] or whatever. But at the same time, I mean, I can see where like, I'm going to say that like you saying there wasn't anybody else like me who had seen on the show before.
[00:32:44] Um, like, like you specifically, and then you go on the show and then to like, not be your authentic self. It's like, wow. Like I, like, it's funny cause you're saying like, Oh, I didn't worry about
[00:32:52] the cameras, but also like what a, what a missed opportunity would have had if you were like, not being your authentic self and people getting to see you. And you're talking about like, yeah,
[00:33:01] the interactions you've had since you've been on the show of like how much you being on the show means that people who get to see someone finally like themselves be on the show. It's so important.
[00:33:09] So I guess like, but it also must take, like, it takes work in your own life to like get to a point where you feel comfortable with yourself. And not to say like, I think I feel comfortable
[00:33:19] myself and also all the time I'm like, Oh, maybe I wish I was like this way, you know, like we, like it's an evolving thing. I feel like I'm, I feel like it's like just connecting now based
[00:33:27] on something you said earlier, your theory on like, you know, why queerness is kind of a good trait to have. I think like how much I've spent too much time thinking about myself, like just too much time. Like I feel like I'm self-aware to a fault and like,
[00:33:46] I mean that I always make the right decisions when I know when I'm aware of myself, you know, I still like I'm a human, you know, like I'll react, but like, I feel like a lot of people
[00:33:57] that go on these shows, you know, I, I want like a 30 and older season of any of these shows. I want to see, sorry. I want to see adults like playing this game because I think it's really
[00:34:06] interesting when people are really evolved and formed and like, that doesn't mean you can't manipulate them, but it's sort of like sad to like some people I want to be like, Oh my God,
[00:34:15] I want to see you play in 10 years. Like I just, cause I think you're kind of amazing, but it's like, I don't know. So that's, I, I think queer people have probably a leg up. I haven't, hadn't
[00:34:27] really thought about it like that, but just being so hyper aware of ourselves actually. That's like, yeah, because I think, you know, I think a lot of people in the house should do some,
[00:34:38] you know, I won't speak for anyone else, but people that I know and live with, you know, We should develop like a company where it's like coming out, but for straight people
[00:34:45] and we like help them figure out who they are, you know, I would love business. It's a business opportunity. Great. Yeah. Well, and I think, you know, yeah, I have, again, you say so many
[00:34:56] nuggets. It's hard to pull them all apart. Like, I do think like there's, there's part of me. That's like not surprised at all that you were not thinking about the cameras because you did come
[00:35:05] off just so authentically. And also you were like the most entertaining person there, which is also like amazing that the person who was not thinking about the cameras was also so fun. I mean, we can
[00:35:15] all admit when you got out the energy, it faded. It really did. Also it's so sad when you went out, but also it was so fun when you just like popped up on social media. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It was scary, scary time, but yeah.
[00:35:31] Yeah. No, but I is, I do think that really is a thing as well of like that. The yeah. The thing that helps you connect with other people is that sort of authenticity and comfort with yourself,
[00:35:41] which I just do think a queer person who's been through that journey of self-realization and like been there, done that again. And it always continues forever, but has had that, that experience. I do
[00:35:52] think it, yeah, it makes so much sense to me also that you would connect with the older people and like all these, all these things in that regard. Like yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I really, I really have to
[00:36:02] say like, I personally felt very represented by seeing you out there, like in your tank tops and your cool shorts and like dancing on set. And I was just like, yes, I like this person. Like
[00:36:14] there's someone on the TV that's like me, like it's still a cool feeling, you know? Like there there's, you can still count them on one or two hands, you know, the people that give me
[00:36:24] that feeling. So yeah, totally. I personally appreciate that. You know, right back at you. I mean, I seriously, you know, it's yeah. It's important. It's special. It's special. Yeah. And to prove that they're like, if you're looking and being like, oh my gosh, someone's like me.
[00:36:39] And then also it's like, also they like you play the flute Izzy and you do all this stuff. Yeah. And we're totally fucking different. Like, yeah, yeah, yeah. Right. Right. But we have tattoos
[00:36:49] and glasses and stuff. So yeah, yeah. So I actually can't tell which one of you I'm. Yeah. Totally. Can I say what they, I mean, we, this season, what there was some controversy in your
[00:37:05] city. I mean, just in terms of like the type of people who are on some of the like, you know, language behavior and you're like, I like, I like, I was never, I'm not worried about my value. So
[00:37:16] whatever I say, like it will be in line with my values. But then you come up across the, where there's two people in your season who do not hold the same values. And that's sort of the point
[00:37:25] of the show. And also, you know, that's like for the season one motto of like, you know, of these shows of like people from all walks of life, you know? So I'm wondering how you navigate, how you
[00:37:35] feel like you navigate that in a world and also in a, in a completely unique situation where it's not like this is the same as real life, where you might call someone out on something because they
[00:37:45] deserve to be called out. But in a game where like, well now they might vote me out because I said they did something that I don't like their values, don't align with my values.
[00:37:53] Yeah. I mean, like, you know, my, my instinct as like a gamer is that like, I love that we're stripped of everything that like makes us, us outside of the game. And so it's just like raw,
[00:38:06] you know what I mean? Like I think that's like brilliant. I think that's part of it. I think that's like important. It is like there, there does feel like there has to be a line and it's
[00:38:17] for us, it is, it is difficult for me. Like, you know, I think about time when it comes to these games all the time, because I have a lot of opinions about the 26 day game in Survivor,
[00:38:28] you know, like a hundred days. I think it's like hard to comprehend that amount of time. And so the human element, you know, I've been thinking a lot about the intersection of like humanity and
[00:38:41] strategy in these games. And like the intersection of those things is where like the heart of the game exists, but the longer it goes on, right. You can't help but veer more towards, more towards
[00:38:53] humanity, you know, and people start to weigh on you. So I think time is really like a factor when it comes to like answering that question, you know? And I think Big Brother is a difficult
[00:39:04] one. And I also think like, just like we see in politics, the middle is often the, you know, the side that tends to take over or that people feel more comfortable sticking to. And that's
[00:39:18] the same in the house, you know? So, and sort of once again, you know, the more, I don't know, left-winging, you know, people like, that's not, people are not going to want to side with that.
[00:39:31] It's like, it's interesting, you know? So it's hard to feel like others can really have a strong voice about something or someone and you can't. It's viewed differently. You know, the double standard is like the hypocrisy runs rampant in these games and that makes it really, really hard.
[00:39:51] I think if I had to do it again, I don't think I would have targeted anyone any differently, but I do think I've learned after like watching my, there is something about seeing yourself doing
[00:40:05] the thing when you know what you were feeling in that moment and being like, wow, the way I thought I was reacting was not the way I was reacting. And that I'm grateful for the live feeds for that.
[00:40:15] I mean, I've seen almost my entire time in the house, you know? Like- Wow. Really? You've watched all the live feeds? I mean, I've watched a lot. I've watched a lot of it. Some of it, you know, some of it more than other parts of it, but yeah.
[00:40:33] Well, I mean, first of all, I think the trickiest part about where the line is, is that the game officially has specific lines. So like someone from your season was- Oh yes, that.
[00:40:45] Yeah. And then there are the lines in which like they are drawn in the same, by the people who are playing it, which is real tough. I just want to like give you some grace for like, you're like,
[00:40:58] oh, I wish I reacted differently. And it's like, it is not real life. Like how people react, like it is and it isn't. Like it is an extension of your life where the situations and the circumstances under which people are making decisions are heavily influenced by literally
[00:41:12] offering a lot of money to someone for making it further in the game. Like that's the incentives in which people are under. And it's like easy to say like for anybody to be like, oh, my morals
[00:41:22] would like a hundred percent be like, for every time something comes up, other people are not, who have not played these games. I have not played this game. So either of the games that you two have played. So just give you some credit there. Yeah.
[00:41:36] Yeah, totally. I mean, and one thing that also feels like an extra tricky in the Big Brother situation is that you've got everyone together all the time. Like, you know, you think about in the tribal phase of Survivor, there's at least chances for different cultures to take presence,
[00:41:50] right. And then bring that together. And, you know, I also think like my season in particular, it was right after, right when the diversity casting initiative came out, right after George
[00:42:00] Floyd. I feel like everybody was pretty on the most part good vibes, like and kind of like knew the deal. And I think like, yeah, and there was chances for some of that, like definitely in my
[00:42:13] starter tribe, I was like great vibes here. You know what I mean? Like, like, and I think like you got everyone together. Any one bad egg that has any sort of influence in the game is going to
[00:42:23] have a lot of say on the overall culture all the time, like in a really intense way. I mean, yeah, I mean, the lack, the lack of tribes or teams in the beginning of Big Brother to me is really like
[00:42:37] a complicated factor in the game that gets taken for granted, you know, because I think the popularity contest or the like, oh, well, it's fine. Like we're all part of the pool that's
[00:42:49] that has potential to go home. We don't have to worry. I was like begging people in the first couple of weeks to just have a conversation with me. Like, you know, like why are you always saying
[00:42:58] that I'm not talking to you? I try all the time and you don't engage and I'm asking you to come to me. Like my vote weighs as much as your vote. Like I don't know why you don't care about where
[00:43:08] what I'm doing, because actually I have more power than you. Like, I don't know why you don't want to like, you know, play with me. You don't want to think about the game. That's all I want
[00:43:17] to think about. Come on, let's go. You know? I think it's the idea of the first night too. So it's been compared to a survivor. We're like, I don't like it's not easier or harder, but
[00:43:26] if there's also like, you have to get to work on survival. It's like there's stuff to do. And there's like seven, like five, seven or like nine other people. And then a Big Brother game,
[00:43:37] it's like, there's like everybody. I just think it's so fascinating. The other thing, I think in terms of a difference that I'm interested in, and you just talked about how you've watched pretty
[00:43:45] much everything. And I was talking with you about this yesterday, Abby, it was like, I think it's would be really interesting to examine the way that Survivor players and the way that Big Brother
[00:43:55] players experienced the show and experienced the fandom. And you actually kind of in some ways have some of both in terms of, I think for a lot of Big Brother players who make the jury, like they're not experiencing how people are immediately reacting to the show as opposed
[00:44:10] to Survivor people. Like you play it and then it airs and people are watching it at the same time that it's airing, which I feel like it's its own. There are like things to consider for that. But
[00:44:19] then in your experience, like you don't know how people are reacting to what is happening as it's airing right now and have no time to like, and then you just come out and like of the show.
[00:44:29] And now it's like, everything's it's happened or it's happening in your case, I guess. What was your experience like in terms of like, I mean, you talked about how lots of people have been
[00:44:37] reached out in terms of the representation, but like, what was that like, what that experience like in terms of like experiencing the show? And you said you've gone back and watched everything.
[00:44:44] Like, I don't think I could. I mean, it was wild because I, yeah, I think about this a lot because now I feel very connected to the Survivor community and Survivor alums. And so we've
[00:44:55] talked about this difference. I feel like I've talked about this with a lot of people. Yes. And there's like pros and cons for both experiences in a lot of ways. I'm so grateful
[00:45:04] for the live feeds of Big Brother, especially for me, you know, like I was, I feel a little erased from the edit. And so I'm very, very grateful to have the live feed, even just for myself to watch
[00:45:15] it back and be like, I was there, I was in it. I was playing, I feel really proud of myself. Um, but it's like, it is, I got recognized at the airport the morning of after my eviction.
[00:45:28] And that's wild to think because I haven't seen anything and people are like, are you Izzy from Big Brother? Oh man, I was like, I downloaded your episode for the plane. I was like, yeah, okay. I got evicted. You know, like I got spoiled at the airport.
[00:45:41] Yeah. And actually just a little tangent is that I was flying home from LAX just like a couple of days ago. And my gate was the same exact gate that I was sitting at when I got
[00:45:52] evicted from Big Brother. And I was like having all of these like weird feelings, but no, but I think I, the thing that I am sad about is not having like the community of watching the episodes
[00:46:02] together. I feel like I try to go to like as many survivor watch parties as possible. And as much as I think it's hard, the way that Brandon Donlan shout out to my boyfriend of lesbian,
[00:46:13] Brandon Donlan, got that standing ovation at his boot episode. I was crying for myself. I mean, that was only like two weeks after I got home, but I was like, wow, I didn't get any of that.
[00:46:26] You know what I mean? And that kind of support felt like so powerful. And so like, there isn't the same kind of like, to me, at least I haven't experienced it, the same kind of like Big Brother
[00:46:38] alum community that really comes together for the season because it's already like happened or something. I am happy that I get to, I got to watch it on my own time. You know, like that feels
[00:46:50] special and sacred. But yeah, I think it's weird coming out and like not having any time to process and people are like, are you Izzy? Are you Izzy? Are you Izzy? And it's like, oh my God, I don't know.
[00:47:05] No, no. Yeah. Without knowing how they're going to like, what's the next thing they're going to say? Like, I love you or like, yeah, I hope people don't. I mean, I feel it's like kind of nice. I
[00:47:14] feel very fortunate shout out to everyone that gave me the like exit interviews right away because everyone was like so wonderful about being letting me know that I, you know, that my,
[00:47:25] I was having a lot of positive reception from the show. And so that felt good even before getting my phone back to call Paige and be like, okay, okay. Okay. Maybe I didn't like fully, you know,
[00:47:35] like make an ass of myself or something, you know? So yeah. Yeah. Wow. That all makes so much sense. And yeah, it's, and even just like not getting to watch it with your family or what, you know what
[00:47:47] I mean? Like, you know, the first it's like, everyone's finding it. They they've seen it. You know what I mean? It's weird. Yeah. Yeah. But you, yeah, I forgot. I honestly forgot that
[00:47:57] piece that you were like, not really in the edit as much, but you were like the main character of the live feed. So it was, yeah. What? Yeah. It feels a little tragic, but it's okay. Those that know,
[00:48:07] no. Yeah. Those that know, no. Okay. Wait, looping back one other random difference I was thinking about between survivor and brother is also like survivors outside. And that also, I was thinking about how that does actually like eliminate some elements of like the weird sharing a bathroom or
[00:48:26] a bedroom with people that you're kind of like, I'm the only one with my like gender identity or I don't know. Like there's some of these like weird things in society that a little bit,
[00:48:35] the being outside everybody's in a weird physical situation. There's a little less of that. I'm wondering, I don't know. Does that seem, I don't know. How was that for you? I mean, totally,
[00:48:46] you know, like a part of me, I, you know, there was one moment where I was like joking. This is like very literal, like, but like, I don't know where I was like going to be like, yeah, you can
[00:48:54] put a weave in my hair and like put on makeup on my face and all this stuff. And like, but like there was a part of me, I didn't ultimately let anyone go through with it, but a part of me was like, oh
[00:49:04] man, like I'm not like a doll or like, I'm not like a weird thing that you can like dress up and then laugh at that. I look uncomfortable. Like, you know what I mean? Yeah. The fact that like getting
[00:49:20] ready and like, I, you know, the bathing suit photo shoot was like the most uncomfortable day ever. I hated it, hated it, hated it. And I ultimately like kind of like hid between behind
[00:49:35] Sari, like in the photo, you know, but that was like weird. And I think like, yeah, if everyone's just like dirty and miserable and hungry, like ain't nobody thinking about what you look like,
[00:49:44] you know, I just like, you know, right. Right. No one's like straightening their hair. There's like, you get to, you get out of that phase or, you know, yeah. Yeah. You know? Yeah. I try not
[00:49:56] to, I don't know. I worked really hard just in my daily life to be just like, you know, fake it till you make it. Like I, you know, just really like, I don't know, this is who I am and people find it
[00:50:07] hot and people don't and people like me and I have friends and you know, like totally it's going to be okay. You know, I don't need 16 new friends. It's fine. You know, The photo shoot, did they do, was it one group picture or did they also,
[00:50:20] did they do individual? And so I'm asking this in terms of like, I feel like one of the things like, Oh, I think you know the answer. No, go ahead. Go ahead. Did they just, did they,
[00:50:27] they did a photo and then there were like all the dudes over here and all the women over here, like exactly what, which is like, Abby, do you wonder about like when the show is going to like
[00:50:38] where there'll be like the, we haven't had a non-binary person who's out when they go on the show. So the only non-binary people we've had, like you, who you came out after on the show,
[00:50:48] but in terms of like gender splitting tribes and like, we have to have an even, the show is so like, there is a way which like, I am sure that they're so stuck at like, has to be even. And then
[00:50:58] the idea that they're going to be like, and the, and the non-binary person, if they're like, you know, assigned female at birth and they shall be replacing a woman on the woman's right. Instead
[00:51:07] of just being like, how do we just mix up this whole thing? You know, how do we like, the whole, you know, we draw a bus out of a hat at the beginning. Those are the tribes like,
[00:51:15] you know, but they're so like, so yeah. Like I'm sure that that day was on cover because it's like, you know, they're like bathing suits the night before. And I was like, well, they only let me
[00:51:25] have one and like, cause they like keep some of your stuff, you know, like some of it doesn't get approved ultimately, you know what I mean? So yeah, anyway, you're like, they're not out of this, this picture, what they're wanting. Like, yeah, it's yeah. Yeah. Honestly,
[00:51:41] Grace listening to you describe that. Like I'm, I'm, I'm anxious already. Like I'm like, this is the 50 news has been like, I'm like, sorry if they, if they hear, if they hear this,
[00:51:51] if anybody's listening, you can do it. You can figure out how to cast them in a way that is like, yeah, like, you know, great. And not sticking to like old archaic forms of binary.
[00:52:02] Yeah, totally. But it is the stressful thing where it's like when you are, you know, the only one, whether it's like, you know, in any form of like different presentation, it's like, there's the
[00:52:11] things that would work for me that I'm also like, I don't want that to be like how they think all non-binary people want, you know what I mean? Like, and so yeah, that's what, that stresses
[00:52:22] me out so much to think about. Like, yeah. Like I personally am like, yeah, I would do it women's sports. Like that is the type, the category of sports person that I would do, but like,
[00:52:33] that's not true for all non-binary or like trans masked people or like whatever. And I don't want that to be like, that's what it is, but like, that's why more of us matter because like,
[00:52:43] you know, like that is a experience and like an experience that many people share. But yeah, of course, like, but there should just be more. And then exactly. The thing you were saying about when you almost offered for them to like do your hair and do
[00:52:59] makeup, I think it's really interesting because there's a way in which, and again, it's because the like circumstances of playing a game and trying to like befriend people where like, like in the right setting with the right people, I'm also willing to like, you know, we can laugh
[00:53:12] like with, like with me in terms of I'm doing something that's outside my comfort zone. And it's so different when it's like, how is not only the people in the house and you're saying like,
[00:53:21] yeah, I didn't want them to laugh at me for being like, you know, oh, we're like dressing me up. And then also all of them, that's what I bring about like all of America to also like see that
[00:53:31] and how they're going to, it is so different. I mean, I thought about that. Like there was a moment also where like, so we really wanted me to try on one of her jumpsuits. Yeah. And like,
[00:53:41] of course I was like, oh, this is bad. I don't want this, you know, but it was like, that felt like a different experience and it was like just us. And there was something like
[00:53:52] in some ways in it for both of us, I will say in that moment. And so that felt really different, you know, but it is, you know, but after that I thought about it a lot. I was like, oh my God,
[00:54:03] it's like, it was bringing back like a little bit of like growing up weird, like dysphoria or whatever, you know, like this weird. And so anyway, I try, yeah. When this happened, I ultimately was
[00:54:16] just so desperately trying to bond with and blue and like, yeah. And I think ultimately I didn't go through with it because I was like, no, ultimately they, at least I know one of them
[00:54:28] is making fun of me. Like, I feel that, you know, I say, trust your gut, you know, and I'm happy that I didn't, you know? I think it's also just a really good, like for
[00:54:40] like straight and cis people who are listening. It's just in terms of like how very small interactions and this probably happened like within like, you probably like thought all of that thought of like, oh, it's like a flashback to like dysphoria as a kid. Like they're making
[00:54:55] fun of me, you know? Like it happens in like 30 seconds and then it's like, you're like, okay, I'm not going to do it. But just how much like extra pressure is that? Like the world is just,
[00:55:04] you know, not designed for queer people. And so straight people, because they don't think about how much, like I always talk about, I live with type one diabetes, I often talk about that being
[00:55:11] like a full-time job on top of living my life. And sometimes I think like my queerness is not that much less work sometimes to be like, like, oh, I got to go out and I just need to take out the
[00:55:21] garbage. But like, how will somebody see me if they see me? And like, what will they, and I'm like, that's a lot of pressure to put on myself just to take out the garbage, you know? And you
[00:55:30] were sitting in front of cameras where millions of Americans would watch you. So. Yeah, I mean, I promised Paige that I would have my belly out. Like you talked about it,
[00:55:38] it was like, you know what? No, you're right. No matter what, it's not for the people in the house, I'm gonna have my belly out. And so like, yeah, and I was like, yeah, proud that I did.
[00:55:48] Hell yeah. Well, that's what I said before. I'm like, yeah, it just is so, it's so frustrating when there's only like one of us on one of these shows. Cause it's like, there are so many, like,
[00:56:00] you're a hot person. Like you're a hot person Izzy. And like the idea that like, oh, like, oh, like Izzy's not wearing like makeup. So what? It's like, like, there's like an entire
[00:56:12] category of people that know how to read you and are like, yeah, that's a hot, cool person. That's right. It was like, yeah. Like none of them were in the house with you. Like, and that sucks.
[00:56:22] Yeah. Yeah. I also think there should be like a, just as, what's it? I'm trying to think of the word, like a, an even spectrum in that of like all the things it's just better. Sorry. I do want to
[00:56:36] play again. It is just better for the game. Like it is better for the game. Like, anyway, that's all it is. And like to what you said before also, it's like, to be like, there's three queer people
[00:56:48] and we've got like a lesbian and older gay man and like a bisexual hottie or I don't know. And it's like, those are three really different experiences. And to be like, that'll help them is just like really different. Like, yeah. Yeah. You know, more of us,
[00:57:06] that's the thing. Just keep putting us on TV, more of us together. And if you want show mans is a plenty, you got to have more of us, you know? If anybody has not watched what's the show where they like, Are you the one?
[00:57:21] Yes. And they did. What is, are you familiar with the, are you the one all queer season? Obviously. Yes. Yes. They did it. They were like, we did it one time as a treat and we've never had it since. Come on. What's going on?
[00:57:34] Amazing show. Honestly, that was the more, literally my favorite seasons of reality TV of all time. And that's like, including any reality show. It's so queer people. We're messy. We hook up like, let's go. Yeah. Yeah. Oh man. Yeah. It just is true. It just is true.
[00:57:54] Oh, but did you, you did get, you, you know that you're an icon, right? Once, once that was weird to like, I mean, I appreciate that. I, yeah. People say, yes, I know I'm an icon.
[00:58:05] I mean, I'm like literally like, where do I get? Yeah, you are like, where do I get a pig suit? I'm like, oh yeah. Let's normalize the pig suit. Okay. That's right.
[00:58:16] People being like, I've saw this the other, I think like recently someone's last name was fields on, on their, their Twitter, but because I think that's like, yeah, the, the easy fields, like, you know, that's, that's you. Like that's again, I want to play again. Y'all, you know,
[00:58:35] yeah. Okay. Well you want to, you want to play also big brother will be premiering pretty soon. I believe what is your advice for other queer players? I can be big brother, but maybe someone's
[00:58:48] they're probably in sequester, but heading into the big brother house or they'll you know, going to go play survivor at some point. What's your advice for future queer players? I mean, I think, I think first and foremost, anyone listening like apply, like, I also think like
[00:59:04] there's a fear of just like starting the process. You could end the process at any time. You can get a bad feeling and say, this isn't for me, but like nothing stops you from just applying. And so I
[00:59:14] just think like if more and more queer people apply, you know, and it's hard to say and feel confident applying, but like, just like commit to it. I think we will see a change, you know?
[00:59:28] And also, I don't know. I mean, like trust yourself, you know what I mean? It's like, seems funny, but like the thing you don't get in the edit or the live feed, or like, you don't understand this until you play is like that chemistry is everything,
[00:59:43] you know? And so if there are people that you feel safe with and comfortable with, like those are your people, you know, especially as a queer person coming into the show. And I think that's something don't worry about like what the optics are of who you should or
[00:59:59] should not work with, or what do you think the vibes of the house are? If you feel powerful working with someone, like if you feel like this is really a team, then like those are your people, you know? But Izzy, not everyone's going to play with Sari.
[01:00:15] Does your partner make you feel powerful? Like, yeah, there's three feels. But I mean, in all the ways, like, does your partner make you feel like go and have that bathing suit photo shoot? It's like that stuff that you forget about,
[01:00:28] because it's not in the edit, you know, like people don't see it. You kind of forget about that, you know, like. I pulled up the photo and the fact that you are actually sitting behind Sari
[01:00:36] is quite amazing. I think just as like a metaphor, like we haven't really actually talked about Sari that much, which I think is like a little blasphemous for like a Survivor podcast.
[01:00:45] And then you play, but the fact that like Sari being like you're like Sari being drawn to you, I think is just in itself very, I mean, I was joking about this, like celebrate queer people,
[01:00:55] but I'm also now going to celebrate an ally in Sari, that she was like drawn to you and connected with you. And then like, is being like a little protective of like, yeah, you could stay,
[01:01:04] like, you know, be back here. Like that's what allies need to do. Yeah. Yes. I'm also hiding behind her at the finale of the night photo. Pretty embarrassing. Yeah. No,
[01:01:14] no. I am so grateful for Sari. So, so, so, so grateful. Like not even just on a game level, you know what I mean? Like big brother was hard, you know, like she didn't really love big brother.
[01:01:26] Yeah. That's shocking. It seemed like she was having the time of her life. So it felt like as much, as much as she needed it to just be like people, you know,
[01:01:38] like I need that also, you know, I needed a little balance. So yeah. Yeah. I love that. Anything for like queer fan. I mean, yeah. Like queer fans as well. Like this, we know that obviously, unfortunately there are some straight people listening and cis people,
[01:01:54] you know, they sneak in. I don't know how to get here. No, that's good. Listen in love. That's great. Glad you're here. Glad you're here. I'm also glad you're here and the people who sent a message about what they
[01:02:04] learned from this podcast. But my favorite thing about this podcast is that people are going to listen to it and hear something that you've said today. And they're going to take that back and actually like make, be more themselves because of something you said. It's my favorite thing
[01:02:16] about this podcast, getting to meet people. So I'll leave the floor to you to sort of like give a message to queer fans who are no pressure, no pressure, just like an inspiring message to
[01:02:26] queer people. Go see Lempicka on Broadway. And that's good advice. And teeth. They made it into a musical. It's brilliant. No, I don't know. I just like, I, I don't know. I, I, it's like a, it's like a broken record, you know, but like,
[01:02:48] we, you know, I don't want people to feel like they can't yeah. Just like live the life that they want to live. And I think like for, I think we shouldn't be afraid to have like difficult
[01:03:02] conversations about this, like on the daily with people, you know, like talking about gender and sexuality and like identity is important for everyone, you know, like how do you identify as a straight person? Like what is your, but what is your identity? Like what makes you, you,
[01:03:20] you know I just think that's like for everyone, you know? So yeah, I, I guess that was like the least eloquent I've been all day, but you know, I think like all of it is what I, you know.
[01:03:36] No, it's so true. It's so true. And like, and you will be happier ultimately. That's the thing. I feel like that. I feel like there's such a fear of like, what will it mean if I come out? What
[01:03:47] if I try to live my life and it will be like hard. And like, there's definitely things that will be hard for sure. And that the range is really different for different people in different
[01:03:56] experiences. And like, it's, it's ultimately the peak of happy that you can get to when you're yourself is much higher. It just like objectively is because you're being yourself, you know? Other people, like when you're happy, other people around you are going to be happy,
[01:04:12] you know, like, you know, I, I think people in the house were actually shocked at how much of actually just like a happy person I am. Like, you know, I think that was like strange.
[01:04:21] Because all we see is tragic queer stories of like queer people who are sad. So of course people like have this like subconscious feeling about how queer people are. But no, I'm so happy
[01:04:31] you're on the show. I'm so happy you're part of the community as what like, like the greater reality show community. I think it's so good. I think we also like, we're just like, we're telling people
[01:04:41] like, yeah, go be who you are. It's also so important for the people who are who themselves to be so loudly themselves. Cause I know for me, it's like when I see someone who's like
[01:04:48] just being their authentic queer self, I'm like, Ooh, I could be more of myself too now, you know? And there's so important. So I still appreciate you and being here. Sorry. My belt is ringing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I mean,
[01:05:00] I agree. I second all of that. Third it. Okay. One last question for you. Full, full transparency to everyone listening. This is, we are recording this it's May right now, but when you're listening to this, as you all know, it's June. And so Izzy, we wanted to know
[01:05:17] if you had any pride plans that you probably already did by the point that people are hearing this, but anything you got excited, excited for in pride month. Got it. Um, well I'm actually playing
[01:05:29] a very cool show at Lincoln center. It's outside June 12th. This will probably be after June 12th, but it's with a couple of drag Queens and it's like opera and like fluffy stuff. It'll be outside.
[01:05:41] It'll be very fun. Um, so that's very proud. Um, you know, me and Paige are planning a trip to Asbury park. That's very gay, uh, in New Jersey. Um, nothing concrete, you know, go to the parade,
[01:05:54] you know, prides every day. I don't, you know, necessarily go so out of my way in June. It's hot. I'm not a, well, that sounds amazing. And I hope anyone who's listening to this got to see that amazing, uh, drag queen, uh, flute performance vibe. Sounds amazing. Yeah.
[01:06:16] To send it. Yeah. I think. Yeah. Thank you. Is he so much? This was wonderful. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm Grace leader. Are you, she, her pronouns. You can follow
[01:06:26] me on social media at high from grace and make sure you buy a buff from Rob is a website.com slash pride, but yes. And I am Matt Scott. I use he, him pronouns. You could follow me on social
[01:06:36] media at Matt Scott GW, and you can get a pride has spoken shirt at Rob has a website.com slash store. And I'm Evie. I use they, them pronouns. You can find me at instant on Instagram at Evie
[01:06:51] Jag and on Twitter at Evie Dakota. And as a reminder, all the proceeds from both the shirt and the buff will go to point of pride. Please buy a product today. This was the pride has spoken. It's so bad. We did it. We did.
[01:07:11] Just for record. Can we just do it like one, just to say that last. Yeah. I know one more time. I don't know why I'm making us do this. No, that's good. This was the pride has spoken.
[01:07:26] Matt, you say it so slow. Wait, wait, wait one more time. This was the pride has spoken. It's my, Oh wait, one more. I'm starting too fast. This was the pride has spoken. Leave all these, leave them all in. Yeah.