Arts & Icons

like a wind-up toy, you just set me on the ground and there I go. It’s not your belief in me that will motivate me — it’s your disbelief.” Meanwhile, Sedaris connected with a younger generation when he and his sister, entertainer Amy Sedaris, were guest judges on an episode of RuPaul’sDrag Race in 2016. “I’ve been a big fan of the show from the very beginning,” Sedaris said. “I knew I didn’t want to say anything bad about anybody on-camera. I don’t want to hurt anybody like that. What I found fascinating was, when you’re in the presence of it, you know immediately (which contestant) is the star. You can’t take your eyes off the stars. Stars announce themselves. The others just fade into the background.” Sedaris also participated in the critically hailed 2014 documentary film DoISound Gay? “I change probably admits “B “But he work think said. t I if think he, one I if “I stood change c you too, don’t it’s thing ask like once before know their about trying most wanted voice,” an if themselves, gay what to audience change to men said change I’m if Sedaris, doing your and they they his people looks,” would would voice. could who would Then because I couldn’t be people like, ‘Oh, get would up look say, and how ‘What’s complain handsome he about complain- he stuff is.’ ing have about? that choice, Look how would handsome you rather he is!’ be So another if you good-looking guy or do you be yourself and talk like a Muppet? Well, financially, it would benefit me to be myself and talk like a Muppet. “You know, when I’m in a hotel and call room service, they always say, ‘Yes ma’am, we’ll have it right up,’ ” Sedaris said. “But I don’t think I sound like a woman at all. I think I sound like a Muppet!” 6 RICHARD BURNETT

For more information about David Sedaris, visit davidsedarisbooks.com.

Read Richard Burnett’s national queer-issues column Three Dollar Bill online at www.bugsburnett.blogspot.com.