Sandra Bernhard—icon, activist, and multitalented performer—recently sat down with CHANNEL Q's Corey Crockett for a wide-ranging and refreshing conversation that touched on everything from her roles in some of today's hottest shows to her decades-long commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and her new comedy tour Shapes and Forms. You can catch their convo below.
Bernhard, whose career has spanned film, television, music, and stand-up, is currently riding high with appearances on fan-favorite shows like Severance, American Horror Story, and Netflix's Survival of the Thickest.
But beyond the screen, Bernhard is once again bringing her one-of-a-kind energy to the stage with Shapes and Forms, a brand-new tour that fuses her trademark wit, social commentary, and musical flair. "This show is about bending the rules, playing with identity, and reflecting on the absurdity of the times," she said. "It's personal, political, and hopefully—fun as hell."
Of course, no chat with Bernhard would be complete without a little tea, and she happily served it when it came to her experience as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race. "It's fabulous, but it's also real work. You're there to support these queens, who are laying it all on the line. I take that seriously," Bernhard revealed. "I know what it means to fight to be seen, to be heard—and drag is such a vital art form. It's an honor."
A trailblazer in LGBTQ+ rights since the early '80s, Bernhard also reflected on the current political climate and what it means to continue showing up. "It's hard out there right now. People are scared, and there's a lot of pushback. But I've always believed in meeting the moment with authenticity and courage. That's why I speak out. That's why I tour. That's why I keep doing what I do."
Throughout the conversation, Bernhard's signature blend of defiance, vulnerability, and humor reminded us why she remains a beloved and vital force in culture—and why her voice is more necessary than ever.
You can catch Sandra Bernhard's Shapes and Forms tour across the country this year, and stream her recent roles now on Apple TV+, FX, and Netflix.
