Who is Anna Piper Scott?
I’m an existential threat, a menace to society and I’m outlawed in over 37 countries worldwide – which is just a long way of saying that I’m trans. When that’s not taking up too much of my time, I do stand-up comedy, I write for theatre and television, I produce shows and I rouse as much rabble as possible. Doctors have tried to figure out why I’m like this, and currently, the best answer we have is “neurodivergence”.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I could wind back the clock, I might pick a line of work with more stable and predictable income. But after a decade and a half in the arts, I’m too weird to work anywhere else. I’ve been pickled by fellow artists, and there’s no coming back.
Who inspires you and why?
I get inspired by so many people. My boyfriend Frankie and my girlfriend Beck both inspire me to keep going when things get hard. My producer Olly inspires me by being passionate about my work (and reminding me about ticket sales).
I get inspired by weird and wonderful artists I know personally like Tash York, Themme Fatale, Em Tambree, Dane Simpson, all out there making the world more colourful. But my biggest inspiration is dangerous bigots with large platforms. I see the damaging effects they have without even trying and it reminds me that if a bigot can make a difference, so can I.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
A maximum wage. No one needs a billion dollars.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My best holiday advice is to pick somewhere you’ve never been and no-one you know has been to. That’s how I ended up going to Seoul a few years ago with my ex. We couldn’t follow anyone’s travel tips, so we had to figure it all out ourselves, and it’s still the best holiday I’ve ever been on.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Melbourne’s filled with fantastic bookstores so I always try to take friends on a bookstore crawl.
What are you currently reading?
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers. I thought it was just about cannibalism, but it’s turned out to be surprisingly horny.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to 5-4, a podcast about the US Supreme Court, because I am, in fact, a nerd.
Happiness is?
A verb, if you’re doing right.
What does the future hold for you?
Judging by the last time I did this show, I’m about to get a lot of hate mail from divorced British transphobes.
Anna Piper Scott presents An Evening with JK at The Chapel at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum, as part of the 2024 Adelaide Fringe: 12 – 17 March. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Anna Piper Scott (supplied)