Sofia Sklar ‘27

As history starts to repeat itself, looking to the past – especially its political activists – becomes increasingly important. I was lucky enough to interview Jennifer Camper, a self-described, “ average half-Arab smart-ass dyke cartoonist”. Camper has been creating comics since the early 1980s about her experiences as a half-Lebanese American Lesbian, as well as the ever-changing political climate. Her most popular works include Camper for Rude Girls and Dangerous Women, subGURLZ, or her contributions to numerous anthologies. Her cartoons are witty, candid, and utterly relevant, from the first release to the current day.

Throughout the interview, Camper was just as witty, passionate, and knowledgeable as her comics would suggest.She provided some insightful answers to my questions.

How have you been feeling, recently?

I’m ready for battle. Our U.S. fascist government is trying to hoard all the money and resources for the wealthiest people. We have to work together to stop them and to protect the most vulnerable.

How has your identity as a Lebanese American impacted your worldview?

I travel between different worlds like a spy. I’m mixed, half Lebanese, and often white people will say things around me assuming I’ll agree with their racism. And being queer means I don’t fit into stereotypical male or female paradigms. Having multiple identities lets me see parallels between different kinds of injustice. For example, the assaults on Palestinian freedom, trans health care, or immigrant rights all have similar roots of oppression. I interact with a variety of communities and use many people’s experiences and perspectives in my comics.

Can you talk a little bit about your history with queer activism and queer activists, specifically lesbians?

I’ve always been an activist because simply existing as a queer woman is steeped in complicated politics, hostility, and danger. We can choose to stay hidden or to fight for our rights. Making comics is one way I do that — I can describe and celebrate my communities, and give my readers recognition and joy. I can also use comics to demean our enemies. I create queer comics conferences, anthologies, panel discussions, exhibits, and other projects to bring LGBTQ cartoonists together and create a supportive community.

What does the word 'Lesbian' mean to you?

I like all the words that describe women loving and lusting after women. Lesbian, dyke, queer woman, lady homosexual, bulldagger, sapphist, rug muncher, scissor sister, etc. — they each have their own flavor and interpretation. Some of these words can be used offensively when spoken against us in hatred. But we also can claim these words and make them our own.

What about Lesbian Activism?

“Lesbian Activism” can describe how we band together to support each other and fight for justice and survival. But “Lesbian Activism” might also describe an extremely athletic all-woman orgy. Lesbians can be active in many ways!

Why is the creation of art, especially art with such a strong message, so important to you?

We need art that reflects our own unique perspectives and experiences. When we see ourselves reflected in any art form, it gives us strength, validation, and joy. The arts can document lives that otherwise might be lost over time. Often the arts give both the artists and their audience a fresh understanding of our lives, and new ways to look at our world.

Comics are an accessible art form - they’re cheap and easy to make, and cheap and easy to access. People often approach comics with their guard down, expecting something simple or humorous. This gives the cartoonist an opportunity to sneak in some powerful messages.

What inspired your art style, and where do you draw your inspiration from?

I mostly draw comics in a style that’s high-contrast black and white. I like that look, and it reproduces well with cheap printing or low-res digital formats.

I make comics to celebrate what I love and give voice to a perspective that is rarely heard. And I ridicule things that annoy me - injustice, stupidity, and the banal. I often use humor in my comics because the world usually seems absurd to me. And laughing at people is a good way to diminish their power.

Do you have any advice for those reading this interview?

This world has never been fair, so be prepared to fight for what you believe in. Find and build community. Support and nurture each other. Take good care of your mental and physical health. Be passionate and joyful. Your happiness is a revolutionary act. And in your spare time, make some kickass comics.

What do you hope that readers take away from your work?

I hope my comics gratify my friends and annoy my enemies.

There is so much that we can learn from political activists of different decades, and Camper truly exemplifies this. Activism can also take on many different forms, from protesting to comic making, and everything in between. In the case of Camper, her comics highlight injustice with a signature sense of humor and a passion for justice that bleeds through the ink. As Camper discusses, injustice is all around us, but when we fight out against it, we make the world a better place.

Jennifer Camper’s comics examine life from a perspective that's irreverent, female, queer, and mongrel (Lebanese American). Her books include “Rude Girls and Dangerous Women” and “subGURLZ”, and she edited two “Juicy Mother” comics anthologies. She was the creating director of three Queers & Comics Conferences and was featured in the documentary film, “No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics.” Her work has appeared in numerous publications and exhibitions.

Comics Provided Courtesy of Jennifer Camper

DykeLike! An Interview with Jennifer Camper