Margaret Cho has championed many political causes in her life but she’s best known as a comedian who challenges the status quo on women, families, race and sexuality. Her latest PsyCHO Tour promises to have more hilarious antics from her Korean Mommy character as well as her being a self-proclaimed fag hag and bisexual. Fans get to both see the funny and serious side of Cho by keeping up on her Twitter feed, where she isn’t shy about sounding off. In fact, she recently launched a #marrymemargaret campaign in which you can sign up to get married by her on stage during her show (yes, she’s a licensed officiant). We tracked her down in Florida to find out how the tour’s going and if she’s already lined up a couple for her appearance on Saturday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center:
MAUITIME: You are marrying people on stage in your tour in the #marrymemargaret competition. Why are you doing this? Where have you married couples so far? will you be doing one on Maui?
MARGARET CHO: I don’t have couples for Maui and I need one. I was one of the early champions for marriage equality and I want to celebrate the hard won victory with everyone! Ok, so couples tweet hashtag #marrymemargaret to line that up on Maui.
MT: I hear wedding bells already. Your latest tour is The Psycho Tour, Does the word psycho have a significant meaning for you?
MC: It’s feminized anger. I’m the psycho bitch! I want to heal through cathartic rage!
MT: Your recent twitter campaign on #12daysofrage is also about cathartic rage and healing. How has social media changed what you do and how you reach fans?
MC: I love social media and I do a lot of work on there. Much of my activism happens on social media. It’s where I get all my information. It’s essential.
MT: Give us a clue about what what being a celebrity means to you.
MC: I’m not a celebrity. I’m a freedom fighter!
MT: Ok. You get involved in a lot of social and political issues, which are you most passionate about?
MC: Making sure hate crime laws are rewritten in every state to include the LGBT community. Currently there are only 16!
MT: How do you balance your politics with comedy?
MC: By making sure it’s always funny. Make strong points, but be hilarious. That’s my goal.
MT: When did you know you wanted to be a comedian? Was it early in life? How did you approach it?
MC: I started at 14. I told my mom and she said, “Maybe it’s better if you just die.” I just started doing shows and never looked back. It’s where I feel the most comfortable.
MT: Who are your favorite comedians?
MC: I love Amy Schumer, Tig Notaro, Bobby Lee, Bill Burr and Chris Rock.
MT: What advice would give someone who wants to become a comedian?
MC: Never quit! Follow your heart and don’t give up.
MT: You have been to Maui quite a bit. What are your favorite things about visiting Hawaii?
MC: Yoga, sushi, the water, the pot–everything.
MARGARET CHO
7:30pm
Saturday, Nov. 7
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
1 Cameron Way, Kahului
808-242-7469
Mauiarts.org
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