Welcome to “Seven Minutes in Heaven” GO Magazine’s brand new interview series that profiles a different queer lady each day, by asking her seven custom (sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
Anyone who has been blocked by Donald Trump is our kind of lady, right, my lovely queer girls? So lucky for you guys we decided to highlight the hilariously funny, force-of-gay-comedic-nature Dana Goldberg! Who, for the record, has been blocked by the Trump. I know, I know, it is very sexy.
Not only has Goldberg been voted one of the “top five funniest comedians in America” she’s also shared the stage with some very ~impressive~ people including, President Barack Obama, Jane Lynch and the cast of GLEE, Lady Gaga, Kathy Griffin, Portia de Rossi, Judy Gold, David Brenner, Sir Elton John and Kathy Najimy.
Goldberg recently launched an amazing weekly digital video series, “Out in Left Field” (latest episode here), “which fuses her comedy with political current events.” Not only was Goldberg (who was allegedly raised by a “wild pack of Jews”) is also involved in “an array of humanitarian efforts, raising more than $10 million in conjunction with nonprofits across the country.”
Funny and actually gives a shit about the world? Where do we sign up?
So kittens, it’s our glittery, gay honor to present “Seven Minutes In Heaven” with Dana Goldberg!
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Dana Goldberg: I’m the class clown who figured out how to make a living doing what most people go to detention for. I travel around the world telling jokes, hosting large galas, and raising millions of dollars for LGBTQ equality, women’s rights, and HIV-AIDS education and prevention. My latest accomplishment is being blocked on Twitter by President (gag) Donald Trump. My mother is so proud.
GO: What is the driving force behind your career/activism?
DG: I love bringing people joy. There is so much crap in the world, and I get to take my audience out of their realities for an hour a night and make them laugh. My desire to use my voice and my comedy to give back to the communities who support me is what drives my activism work. If I’m able to help organizations across the country in their goals to make this world a more just and equal place to live in, I’m doing something right.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
DG: Since every time I check Twitter I want to throw my phone against a wall, I have to find ways to unwind. If our President gets us into a war WHILE HE’S ON VACATION from the 9th hole, I’m going to be pissed. I’m lucky enough to live in Los Angeles, a place that has beautiful weather the majority of the year, so I’ll get on my road bicycle and clock 30 miles, or I’ll hit a hiking trail for an hour or two. It’s important for me to stay connected to friends when I’m not on the road and to recharge with some laughter over a nice bottle of Cab. If all else fails, there’s always day drinking.
GO: Who are your biggest queer lady role models?
DG: As a comedian, Wanda Sykes is at the top of that list. She is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and continues to use her voice and comedy to talk about the insanity that is going on in the world. If I may, I would like to grandfather in Gloria Steinem. I know she may not be a queer lady, but listening to her speak and sharing a stage with her in NYC at Caroline’s on Broadway recently to perform and help raise money for LPAC….she’s so damn powerful and inspiring. (Not to mention sexy…am I allowed to objectify a feminist or does that defeat the purpose?)
GO: Describe yourself in three words?
DG: Funny. Kind. Sensitive.
GO: What music are you listening to right now?
DG: In this moment, “Issues” by Julia Michaels. Come to think if it, this might be a lesbian theme song. “I got issues…you got em’, too.”
GO: Where can people find you?
DG: People can find me performing all over the country, on my website www.danagoldberg.com, on social media @dgcomedy, and they can find me every week hosting my new web series, “Out in Left Field.”
What Do You Think?