I want emotionally resilient queers running around the world and this is one way I can help make that happen. I feel lucky to be able to do this kind of community service while also indulging in my creative impulses.
MAB: I love that, a win-win!
ER: Definitely a win-win! Another thing about it that is rewarding for me is there are other impacts that go beyond supporting a local non-profit and queer mental health, like supporting repertory cinema, supporting local drag performers and local artists who created art for the festival. And bringing more people to the businesses surrounding the theater... It's not only about a beloved Hollywood actor.
MAB: I had lots of fun when you interviewed me for your videos and I know you interviewed a bevy of Meryls! Did any interesting/unexpected stories emerge?
ER: That video was so fun to make. I interviewed people who were named Meryl - and one M-e-r-y-l-l (the French spelling) and one M-e-r-r-i-l-l for good measure.
I think stories about our names are pathways into talking about our identity and self-presentation. This video didn't get super deep into those areas but the conversations were all thoughtful and fun and I had a really lovely rapport with every single Meryl.
ER: I knew zero Meryls at the beginning of June and now I know about 18. I basically wrote to people named Meryl on every social media platform, and I googled "Meryl San Francisco" or "Meryl Los Angeles" (because: time zones) and some Meryls had websites and I filled out a contact form.
It was a small sample size - but I've learned that most people named Meryl are pretty much up for anything! At least, they are open to being interviewed by a stranger on a recorded zoom call. I was really grateful for their openness and willingness.
MAB: Well, all us Meryls have grown up with an unusual name, so I think that predisposes us to being more open to unusual things! Especially the older ones who grew up when our name was much less common.
ER: That's right. You didn't have the benefit, early on, of being able to say "Meryl, like Meryl Streep' when you introduced yourself. I love the way you tell your story about people thinking your name was Merle, like Merle Haggard.
MAB: Ha! That was when I lived in the Deep South. I would get that all the time, I hated it!
ER: If the Merylthon becomes an annual thing, I can imagine I'll start to know a ton more Meryls. The Merylthon could easily turn into an annual conference for Meryls.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
