Katy Isherwood

April 6, 2009 · Print This Article

A Real Grrl is a lesbian “grrl next door” who is doing something unique, interesting, creative, and – most importantly – something that they are proud of and want to share with others. Each week Cherry Grrl features a special reader… next week if could be you! Write to info@cherrygrrl.com to learn how.

Age: 22

Hometown: Manchester UK

Get Real with us. I’m a Brit. With a real British accent and a real British sense of humor. I live in a dilapidated mansion in Manchester with fifteen other people, a black cat, and lots of guitars. Summer days are filled with barbeques, hammock lounging, and lazy strumming.

Manchester is an amazing city in terms of the lesbian scene. We have our very own district, known officially as ‘The Gay Village,’ and it’s got loads of great bars to hang out in, drink, hook up and dance to your heart’s content. My current job is behind the bar in Tribeca – a mixed gay bar with a New York boudoir theme. I also write the weekly Women’s Listings column for OutNorthwest.

The thing I love most in the world is writing. Especially about things that make people laugh. My day-to-day existence is generally a string of disasters one after another, which is quite annoying for me, but great for everyone else’s amusement. Actually no, sorry that first bit was a lie, more than anything in the world I like cold beer. And kittens. And passionate kisses. But you’ll forgive me for those I hope.

Last year I backpacked around South America for six months and encountered a multitude of unfortunate incidents which included being invaded by an entire family of bumbling, biscuit-colored mice who took up residence in the bottom of my sleeping bag and would not be moved. This was after they had thoughtfully chewed their very own mouse-sized door through the lining of my tent and invited all their little friends to come round and have a feast on my toothpaste.

One of my lifetime endeavors is to change people’s perceptions of homosexuality. I think that the main reason homophobia exists in today’s society is because people still don’t see enough of who we are to be able to understand us. We stick to our gay bars and show our affection in private. So next time you’re out I urge you ladies – do what the straights do – hold hands down the street, cuddle in the cinema, kiss goodbye on the lips. It’s our right. If you’re already onto this then I salute you. You’re changing the world every time you walk down the street with your arm around your girlfriend’s shoulder.