Welcome to Seven Minutes in Heaven, GO Magazine’s interview series that profiles a different queer babe each day, by asking them seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
Emily Geraghty is an insanely talented queer girl force of nature. She works as a Senior Video Producer at Condé Nast. I met Emily when she reached out to me about her idea for a short film about my bionic arm for Glamour Magazine. As soon as she mentioned a pin-up style shoot, I knew that she ~got me~.
Emily has a gift for understanding people and telling their stories in a fun, real way. I was OBSESSED with how she told my story. You can check it out here. Emily is an expert at getting to the core of who people are and sharing their stories with the world. So naturally, I was curious about her story and what makes her so plugged into the human condition. Also, she has an incredible style and vibe so I couldn’t wait to spend Seven Minutes in Heaven with this gifted babe!
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Emily Geraghty: I’m a filmmaker, director, shooter, editor and video creative. I work for all Condé Nast brands. I’m kind of a jack of all trades, but my number one thing is is coming up with ideas and directing and editing. They say editing is like being the second director.
GO: What is the driving force behind your art and work?
EG: I’ve always been really curious about people. When I meet someone, I want to know who they really are– I don’t want small talk. I want to know inherently who they are at the core. I really like my job because it’s an excuse to ask people the hard questions and sort of be their best friend for the day, then make a tiny video about their life.
I remember, growing up, when I saw Portia de Rossi in her wedding dress the day she got married to Ellen, it was the first time I saw a femme queer person. So another driving force is just giving people a chance to not only see themselves, but to see so many models of what femininity and womanhood is.
GO: Do you see a relationship between queerness and fashion?
EG: I inherently see a relationship. When I first came out, I think I saw the way I dressed as queer. As I’ve gotten older, and been more comfortable in being out, it’s not something I think about–which is a luxury. I still think there is a relationship but I don’t think about it as much now.
GO: Who are your biggest queer lady role models?
EG: My friend Karina was my first close friend who was femme and queer– so she was a guiding light for me in figuring it out. She’s definitely a role model.
I don’t identify as gay but I identify as queer or bi. Labels aren’t that important to me and I know that is a luxury and a privilege. But any time a celebrity is out and queer is awesome. Seeing Kristen Stewart and Evan Rachel Wood being themselves and not having to explain to people what that label means or what their past relationships mean or what their future relationships might mean…I think every time I see someone just being who they are and not feeling they have to explain their queerness to people is empowering. Because for a long time I felt like I had to explain my queerness to people…so seeing celebrities does really have an impact.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
EG: I like to see what’s playing in movies. I watch a ton of documentaries. I read the New York Times Modern Love column. Another thing that inspires me is people’s every day lives, and I think that it’s exciting to hear about who people are at the quiet times and I think Modern Love does that well. I check out my friends’ work. I have really talented friends. I’m unabashedly a huge fan of Pinterest. I use it as a hobby and for inspiration and visual ideas for my work.
GO: What stories are you passionate about telling through video?
EG: I focus on women’s stories because growing up I wanted to see more ways representing how to be a woman. Often, women’s stories inherently come with a social justice angle. I’m not necessarily interested in only telling social justice stores but I think often that’s what my work has turned into.
It sounds so corny but I think everyone has a story worth telling. I don’t know if I have a preference about specific stories. I just know that I’m attracted to nonfiction film.
GO: What do you feel like you bring to Glamour?
EG: I was looking at old college essays recently and one of mine was a feminist theory analysis of women’s magazines. I really wanted to make media for women because I wanted to see all real people represented. That’s what I’ve focused on at Glamour. Glamour does amazing celebrity content– I’m so impressed with the people at Glamour who, in 45 minutes, make something totally amazing with a celebrity. But my skill set I bring to Glamour is real stories. I think that real women are glamorous. I’m thrilled to be at Glamour– as excited as I am to work on all Condé Nast brands, Glamour holds a special place in my heart.
GO: What projects are you currently working on?
EG: Over this past holiday break, I spent 6 days filming with my grandma who is an activist. She has worked for 10 years with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. I feel like this is a project that is going to take me a long time to finish and when it does, it’ll be a huge accomplishment. I hope I finish it by the I’m 30!
GO: How can people find you?
EG: www.emilyclairegeraghty.com
Instagram– @emilycgeraghty
*This interview has been condensed for consistence and clarity.
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