Wanda Sykes in Conversation with Judy Gold
Once again 92nd Street Y was able to bring together two powerhouses for their talk series. This time it was Emmy award winner, Wanda Sykes, in conversation with Judy Gold, a fellow comedienne and LGBT activist. During the hour long talk, Wanda spoke about confidence, coming out, and life as a working mother and wife. The audience was treated to hilarious quips from the comedienne as well as poignant moments from her life.
Many of the life-changing moments in both Wanda Sykes’ personal life and career were not planned. Her first time on stage was in a contest against veteran comics. When asked whether this experience was intimidating, she replied, “I think it was an advantage. I just went in there. I could not know about fear, or it would go horribly wrong.”
In another courageous and bold move, Wanda recalls coming out at a marriage equality rally in Las Vegas. ” I did not know I was going to come out. I was asked to come on stage and say a few words. I didn’t put any thought into [it]. It was just organic. I stated I’m not only here to support the community; I’m here for myself.”
When asked about her life as a mom and wife, Wanda replied, “I look a my life, and I’m like–wow how did I get here?”
Wanda also answered a few questions from the audience. A young aspiring female comedienne asked how Wanda is able to get back on stage after a bad set, and how she deals with discrimination against women in comedy. Wanda replied “You want to get that bad set out of your mind, and to do that, you have to get back on stage. Funny is funny. It makes no difference if you’re are a man or woman.”
Her Agenda was able to get one question in as well. We asked, what is your mantra or guiding principle? Wanda replied very simply. “Be grateful,” she said. “Look at all the things you have to be thankful for. I think about my family, my health, and love. This is what I think about after I have had a bad day. This gets me back on my feet, and I keep going.”
