culture that shames people
into thinking they need to
be something that they’re
not, and that without this
product, they’re worthless.
By whistle-blowing, I’m
doing my part to clean up
some of the toxicity that my
industry is responsible for.Do people ever say, “Easy
for you—you’re a babe”?
It’s a very interesting way to
silence all people. If you’re
not conventionally attrac-
tive, then you’re not allowed
to talk about it because
you’re just jealous and bitter. If you
are conventionally attractive, then
you’re not allowed to talk about it
because you’re too privileged. Who
gets to talk about it?Do you ever think about running for
office?
God, no. Because social media has
become so prominent in our culture,
I can actually do more from where
I am.You refer to yourself as a “feminist in
progress.” What does that mean?
I think we’re all feminists in prog-
ress, whatever gender we are. It’s
just saying that I would like to do
better and be better and help soci-
ety progress, but I also accept thatHas being on a show about the afterlife
made you consider what happens after
we die?
I’m not religious, so I don’t think
about heaven and hell. But if I did
believe in hell, I’m going—because
I’m an actor, which means I’m inher-
ently a dick.What is your version of “the good
place”?
Being fed cake while spooning for
eternity.You founded the “I Weigh” body-
inclusivity movement. Why was that
important to you?
I’ve been many different sizes. But
even if you are slim, this industry still
scrutinizes you, monetizes you, and
weaponizes your body against you.
I had anorexia and body dysmorphia.How did you learn to overcome that?
English people are very ashamed of
mental health problems and therapy.
I realized that going to a therapist
for something that doesn’t feel good
in my mind is the same as going to
the doctor when I had a broken arm
or a sore throat.You’ve publicly criticized Cardi B and
Khloé Kardashian for selling diet pills
and teas. Isn’t that a risky career move?
I lose a lot of endorsements because they
would require me being a part of thisI have blind spots. Men feel
very left out of feminism. I
make sure that my feminism
includes men, has empathy
toward men, and recognizes
that they can be great allies.How can men be allies?
Just accept when you’ve been
wrong, and take the L. Then
educate yourself by listening
to others and reading about
people you don’t understand.
Don’t be afraid that you don’t
already have all the answers.
Tr ying is winning.It sounds like you’re very in touch with
how men can be part of the movement.
Some of my best friends are guys, and
I live with an amazing man [English
musician James Blake]. He’s very open
to talking about mental health and
feelings, and he’s a very emotionally
intelligent and funny person. I got
very lucky.You’ve been together for a few years.
Does getting married matter to you?
I think we would get married only
for tax purposes or to be next of kin.
I f ind the institution of marriage
quite archaic, but unfortunately a
lot of the law still revolves around it.How did you and James meet?
We met at work—we were both DJs at
radio stations—and became friends
for a long time before we fell in love.Do you think it helps to be friends first?
Yeah, because we’re all liars and
salespeople when we start dating.
What’s great about being friends
f irst is that by the time you fall in
love, you can’t put a fake barrier
MAR around you. Q
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WE’RE WITH HER
MEN FEEL VERY LEFT OUT OF FEMINISM. I MAKE
SURE THAT MY FEMINISM INCLUDES MEN AND
RECOGNIZES THEY CAN BE GREAT ALLIES.
Age
33Hometown
LondonTop 3
Feminist Men- James Blake,
my boyfriend
2. George
Clooney - Mike Shur,
creator of The
Good Place
THE BASICSSEPTEMBER 2019 035The star of NBC’s The Good Place talks political activism, how men can be better feminists, and her
personal version of heaven. by SARAH Z. WEXLERJameela Jamil
MEN’S JOURNAL