Wanda Sykes Speaks Her Mind

"I was personally attacked. They pissed me off. Now I have to get in your face." - Wanda Sykes, speaking at a rally after the passage of Proposition 8.

Sykes has never been one to mince words. The openly lesbian (since 2008) comic has carved out a reputation as a brilliant social satirist who can reduce her audiences to hysterical laughter while making them think about social issues. In addition to her wildly popular stand-up act, Sykes is well-known for her television roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm and The New Adventures of Old Christine. She also won an Emmy Award for her writing work on The Chris Rock Show. Sykes, who lives with her wife and children, will appear at the Marin Center in San Rafael on Sat., May 11, at 8 p.m.

"Expect to see a woman who's happy to get out of the house with adults, getting the respect she deserves," she said in a telephone interview with the B.A.R. But Sykes made it obvious that she takes her work quite seriously. "I'm going to talk about marriage, politics and the new Pope," she said.

Sykes addressed the sea change in a society where the majority of people now embrace an African American president and an openly gay, black comedian. "This is how the country should be, how it was intended to be. This is the world now. That's why the zombies on the right are so big right now."

Her social consciousness continues when she's off-stage. A few years ago she recorded a public service announcement for GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. In the video, she chastises a young student for using the term "that's so gay." "It's hard for these kids," she said, in reference to LGBT youth who come out while still in school. "I've been around friends who've used that term. They didn't know what they were saying. How would I feel if I were a kid hearing those words? We have to help these kids and change their perceptions - we have to make it easier for these kids."

As a happily married woman, the Supreme Court Prop 8/DOMA trials are also of great interest to Sykes. "It's weird. The hearings are happening on Spring Break, so we have the kids home all day. The case will decide whether or not we're a 'legit' family. I'm hoping that the court will rule that Prop 8 is unconstitutional, and that we'll have marriage equality. I can't see them upholding Prop 8."

The politically astute Sykes has been asked if she would ever consider a run for office. "Hell, no!" she said. "I'd piss a lot of people off! I wouldn't play the game."

For now, Sykes is concentrating on her current tour and her family. She professes to have a great affection for the Bay Area, and cites Zuni Cafe on Market Street as a favorite place to unwind when she's in town. "They make a mean Bloody Mary," she said.

Wanda Sykes Live, Sat., May 11 at 8 p.m., Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Tickets ($69.50/$49.50): (415) 473-6800