Total muff-muncher: LizzyLizzy the Lezzy might be the cutest cartoon lesbian of all time. She’s got a British accent and a giant oval-shaped head, and she sings filthy songs about muff-munching in a high-pitched voice, sounding a bit like a sapphic Hermione on helium. The brainchild of Ruth Selwyn, a Jewish Brit based in Israel, Lizzy’s combination of hilarious candor—you should hear what she has to say about bisexuals—and unabashed pride has won her a devoted fanbase. After less than a year as a MySpace phenomenon, she was picked up by LOGO TV, which airs her episodes on “Alien Boot Camp,” their Friday night animation show for gay geeks.
We spoke to Lizzy through her intermediary Selwyn about sex, Judaism, and gay Tel Aviv.
Lizzy, what’s your background? Are you British? Where do you currently live?
I was born and raised in a secular Jewish family in a small town in England. I attended a Church of England local primary school where the headmistress was called Mrs. Winterbottom and my class teacher was called Mrs. Shrimpton, I kid you not. I developed my love for singing when they made me head of the choir and every week I sang merrily from the pulpit in church. I broke challah bread with my family on Friday night and offered it up to Jesus on Sunday. But there was never any confusion in my head.
One freezing winter’s day a teacher scolded me for praying in church with my gloves on. “But I’m not praying to your god,” I said, “I’m Jewish, and my god doesn’t mind!”
Throughout my teenage years I attended Habonim-Dror Jewish youth movement, where I learned about Judaism, Socialism, Zionism and smoking pot. It was there that I met a girl who liked it when we tickled each other’s arms and backs. “We’re not really lesbians, are we?” she said. “Naaaaa, it just feels nice.” I replied. It took me another ten years to realize that I was indeed a lesbian, and that it felt more than nice.
Successfully brainwashed to “marry someone Jewish” and feel like “Israel is my home” I packed a bag and made aliyah to Israel in search of a nice Jewish girl to tickle.
Full of pride: Lizzy waves her flagHow similar are you and Ruth?
Hmm, we’re quite similar I suppose, but she would probably say that I’m always making shit up or exaggerating the truth. And she has fingers.
What kind of reception have you had in Israel? What about the UK or US?
I’ve had a great reception here in Israel, and worldwide. People who watch me are very supportive and encouraging. In the US they say, “You should be President!” In the UK they say, “You should be Queen!” In Israel they say “Come over for chicken soup!”
What, in general, is it like being a lesbian in Israel these days?
It’s fabulous! All you need to do is learn the Hebrew word for “vagina” and find your way to Minnerva, the lezzy bar. It’s very easy to be a lezzy in Tel-Aviv where I live – you hear “oy gay!” here more than “oy vey!” It’s one of the gayest cities in the world!
Ruth was a programmer, but she’s made a few documentaries too, right. How did she dream you up?
When Ruth first came to Israel she worked as a flash web designer. During one of her trips back to England, she bumped into an old school friend who told her she had multiple personality disorder, and they decided to make a documentary about it. Ruth then made a series of shorts about Israeli estate agents. Her experience in film making, flash animation and being a total dyke lead to the birth of an exciting new era in Ruth’s life – me!
You’re beloved for breaking taboos, but are you making a political point with your videos? Or are you just trying to entertain? Or a little of both?
The point is that straights, gays, lezzies, bisexuals and trannies exist. The point is why the fuck is it still so difficult for some people to accept that? It’s not political, it’s bloody ridiculous. Quick! Lock up your daughters, there’s a lezzy on the loose!
What’s up with your friend Gary the Gay?
He’s having some time off - I’m sure he’ll be back with a bang at some point.
[Below, the first five episodes of "Lizzy the Lezzy"]