Partnering with actress Leisha Hailey on our Pride campaign and launch of Sappho was a dream come true for us. A Queer icon who continues to inspire generations of the LBGTQ+ community, we were thrilled to have a conversation with her about the new launch and her passion surrounding non-profit organization, GLSEN, a national non-profit organization, working to create a safe and inclusive K-12 school environment for LGBTQ+ youth.⁠ (100% of the proceeds from the sales of Sappho go directly to GLSEN!)

Awe: In the late twentieth century, Sappho became a symbol for the growing LGBTQ rights movement. Many Queer women found representation in her poetry, revering Sappho and identifying with her. Why are artistic expressions and shows like, “The L Word,” (which was groundbreaking,) so important?

Leisha: I truly believe that representation creates change. When the L Word first aired in January 2004, there were very few lesbians featured in shows. “Queer As Folk” was mostly focused on gay men, their relationships and friendships. Ellen came out on her show in ’97 and then the series ended one season later. We were the first show to focus on the lives of lesbians – and we did it for six seasons the first time around. It was and remains a groundbreaking show. Women worldwide finally felt represented. They were grateful. When “The L Word: Generation Q” came back in 2019, the world had changed with more LGBTQ characters featured throughout the streaming services and networks. The L Word, however, has remained the touchstone show for lesbians, giving them a place to see themselves at a time when LGBTQ people are feeling repressed and treated by local politicians seeking to take away their rights.

Awe: It’s difficult to untangle the relationship between, “Sappho” the fictionalized literary persona and the poet herself — how do you untangle the characters you play with the real you?

Leisha: When it comes to Alice, in many ways, I do embody some of the characteristics as that character. I have a vast sense of adventure, some might say I have toxic positivity, I’m a good friend – and I love bold-colored clothes and edgy fashion. I feel it’s important to tap into aspects of yourself and bring them to a character, draw on what’s real in yourself. It’s a combination. So in a sense, Alice is a heightened version of me. Minus the throuple.

Awe: Sappho has been seen as a feminist heroine — who are some other women you have looked up to growing up? Do you see yourself or your character, Alice, as someone young Queer women could relate to or look up to?

Leisha: There are many women whom I have looked up to over the years. To name a few, Carol Burnett, the 20th-century painter Alice Neel and artist, photographer and style icon Lisa Eisner. And drag queens. They have been a huge inspiration to me. In the early 90’s when Heather Reid and I formed our band, The Murmurs, we performed at the New York City’ Pyramid Club in the East Village regularly. The drag queens would dress us up, put wigs and false eyelashes on us and we’d go out and open for them. We were like life size paper dolls. They taught me to be myself and to celebrate it in the biggest, boldest, out-loud way.  
 
Awe: It feels like Queer rights are in a constant state of attack. What can allies do to support the Queer community?

Leisha: Yes, be vocal and get behind politicians that support LGBTQ rights. But you can also be a safe space for someone. Small acts can go a long way. Become a visibly supportive ally to ensure someone feels safe, welcomed and heard. Growing up in a small Nebraska town, where no one could be out as gay and lesbian, my parents created a safe place within our home. It was welcoming for the queer community. My mom’s best friend is a lesbian and she brought her girlfriends to our home over the years. The high school acting teacher and his partner became close friends of my parents. This is my extended family to this day.

Awe: Organizations like GLSEN are advocating for more queer education and conversations in schools; why is this work so critical in 2023?

Leisha: Queer education and conversations are critical at all levels as politicians ramp up attacks on the LGBTQ community around the country. GLSEN’s resources for students and educators is a leading force in the mission to implement policies that ensure LGBTQ students can learn and thrive in safe, inclusive, accepting schools. More than 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state houses this year, an unprecedented number. In Texas, politicians are pushing bills to ban drag shows as well as prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at state colleges and universities. And in Louisiana, there is a bill that would impose a “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” style curriculum censorship law. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ has signed a wave of anti-gay legislation and is looking to build his presidential campaign on his anti-LGBTQ positions. Education and awareness predominate over hate.

Partnering with actress Leisha Hailey on our Pride campaign and launch of Sappho was a dream come true for us. A Queer icon who continues to inspire generations of the LBGTQ+ community, we were thrilled to have a conversation with her about the new launch and her passion surrounding non-profit organization, GLSEN, a national non-profit organization, working to create a safe and inclusive K-12 school environment for LGBTQ+ youth.⁠ (100% of the proceeds from the sales of Sappho go directly to GLSEN!)

Awe: In the late twentieth century, Sappho became a symbol for the growing LGBTQ rights movement. Many Queer women found representation in her poetry, revering Sappho and identifying with her. Why are artistic expressions and shows like, “The L Word,” (which was groundbreaking,) so important?

Leisha: I truly believe that representation creates change. When the L Word first aired in January 2004, there were very few lesbians featured in shows. “Queer As Folk” was mostly focused on gay men, their relationships and friendships. Ellen came out on her show in ’97 and then the series ended one season later. We were the first show to focus on the lives of lesbians – and we did it for six seasons the first time around. It was and remains a groundbreaking show. Women worldwide finally felt represented. They were grateful. When “The L Word: Generation Q” came back in 2019, the world had changed with more LGBTQ characters featured throughout the streaming services and networks. The L Word, however, has remained the touchstone show for lesbians, giving them a place to see themselves at a time when LGBTQ people are feeling repressed and treated by local politicians seeking to take away their rights.

Awe: It’s difficult to untangle the relationship between, “Sappho” the fictionalized literary persona and the poet herself — how do you untangle the characters you play with the real you?

Leisha: When it comes to Alice, in many ways, I do embody some of the characteristics as that character. I have a vast sense of adventure, some might say I have toxic positivity, I’m a good friend – and I love bold-colored clothes and edgy fashion. I feel it’s important to tap into aspects of yourself and bring them to a character, draw on what’s real in yourself. It’s a combination. So in a sense, Alice is a heightened version of me. Minus the throuple.

Awe: Sappho has been seen as a feminist heroine — who are some other women you have looked up to growing up? Do you see yourself or your character, Alice, as someone young Queer women could relate to or look up to?

Leisha: There are many women whom I have looked up to over the years. To name a few, Carol Burnett, the 20th-century painter Alice Neel and artist, photographer and style icon Lisa Eisner. And drag queens. They have been a huge inspiration to me. In the early 90’s when Heather Reid and I formed our band, The Murmurs, we performed at the New York City’ Pyramid Club in the East Village regularly. The drag queens would dress us up, put wigs and false eyelashes on us and we’d go out and open for them. We were like life size paper dolls. They taught me to be myself and to celebrate it in the biggest, boldest, out-loud way.  
 
Awe: It feels like Queer rights are in a constant state of attack. What can allies do to support the Queer community?

Leisha: Yes, be vocal and get behind politicians that support LGBTQ rights. But you can also be a safe space for someone. Small acts can go a long way. Become a visibly supportive ally to ensure someone feels safe, welcomed and heard. Growing up in a small Nebraska town, where no one could be out as gay and lesbian, my parents created a safe place within our home. It was welcoming for the queer community. My mom’s best friend is a lesbian and she brought her girlfriends to our home over the years. The high school acting teacher and his partner became close friends of my parents. This is my extended family to this day.

Awe: Organizations like GLSEN are advocating for more queer education and conversations in schools; why is this work so critical in 2023?

Leisha: Queer education and conversations are critical at all levels as politicians ramp up attacks on the LGBTQ community around the country. GLSEN’s resources for students and educators is a leading force in the mission to implement policies that ensure LGBTQ students can learn and thrive in safe, inclusive, accepting schools. More than 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state houses this year, an unprecedented number. In Texas, politicians are pushing bills to ban drag shows as well as prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at state colleges and universities. And in Louisiana, there is a bill that would impose a “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” style curriculum censorship law. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ has signed a wave of anti-gay legislation and is looking to build his presidential campaign on his anti-LGBTQ positions. Education and awareness predominate over hate.