Harvey Fierstein with Barbara Walters on 20/20 (1983)

[@WittyDroog]

You hear Barbara's questions and they sound so archaic, so lost in time, whereas all of Harvey's answers sound so contemporary and obvious, a timeless truth.

[@martijnspruit]

The sentence in the intro "he is gay; a homosexual". The word "gay" had to be explained!

[@logic7374]

@@martijnspruit It didn't..... it wasn't that long ago. They always include different terms. It's part of the pattern when creating an interview.

[@judethaddaeus9742]

I wonder if there’s a degree to which she asks on behalf of the average audience viewer rather than out of personal bias or curiosity, so he can correct common misconceptions. But yes, her questions are definitely evidence of a dehumanizing zeitgeist, regardless of the intention behind them.

[@coyfish4610]

@@judethaddaeus9742 This was 2 years after the "gay cancer" scare began in NYC no less. I'm amazed at how gracious he sounds here. True MVP.

[@hoserfella]

its 1 in 100 at best

[@judethaddaeus9742]

When Fierstein inhaled deeply upon Walters’ question about what it’s like to be a homosexual, I felt what he felt. What frustrating position to be in. What patience, courage, and humility Fierstein showed. I have so much gratitude and respect for him.

[@ilfranchi]

at 4:50

[@davidj.7227]

Harvey is a legend, so damn honest and a beautiful man in and out.

[@anthonydimodica5829]

Amazed and proud of Harvey, doing the hard work, schooling Barbara Walters 40 years ago…

[@nsasupporter7557]

@@davidj.7227 I didn’t know he was gay I real life. I knew his character was gay in Mrs Doubtfire. I have respect for him because he respects heterosexual people

[@wingsandash]

So true.

[@chrisf5053]

Back when this interview took place, I was married and passing as a straight man. I was miserable. Today, I'm living as my true self in a long term relationship (18 years) with the love of my life. Thank you Harvey for helping to pave the way!

[@dirkdiggler2430]

The only victim in all this was tithe woman you were married to. You lied to a person making her believe you were someone she knew and that makes you a really bad person. I wonder what other secrets you are hiding from the one you say is the love of your life.

[@BozeDoesGodsWork]

Oh shut the fuck up and give the man a break. It was a different time and being gay was not like how it was today. Stop trying to bully this man because he simply didn’t want to deal with any bullshit from people.

[@lucyverse4908]

@@dirkdiggler2430 Do you have any idea how dangerous it was to be an openly gay man in the past? I’m sure OP didn’t get married with the intention of hurting his wife; he probably felt like he had no other choice, because he was living in a world where gay men were viewed as child molestors and violence against LGBT people was rampant. Maybe if less people were homophobic bigots, people like himself wouldn’t have been forced to live a lie.

[@Buriichan]

Congratulations! That's beautiful. I'm sorry you had to suffer in silence for so long. Thank you to everyone who came before us 💖

[@1-10-1-4]

@@dirkdiggler2430 you need to understand that self discovery is never linear. and that we, queers, may deny things about ourselves, in our own heads, and try to sleep them away, cry them away, marry them away, pray them away. And you do not know the whole story just based off a youtube comment, you don't know how and why it went the way it went for that person :) try to have an open mind, and be open to sympathize more often than judge.

[@darrallc]

I've never seen him as a young man - he's got this gorgeous, dangerous, brooding look, and then opens his mouth and is just the sweetest soul ever. How could you not love him (more) after watching this?

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Personally

[@erikm8372]

I know I never realized it! Sexy!

[@YoBoyMarcus]

Torch Song Trilogy is one of my favorite movies. I remember seeing it for the first time thirty years ago and how poignant it was. Harvey is a legend.

[@friday13thirteen]

What an incredibly smart guy. Nowadays it's almost surreal to look back and see someone like Barbara Walters being so genuinely uninformed about gay people, and the stuff Harvey is saying seems so basic, but this was some seriously brave and progressive stuff he was doing.

[@internetomatic]

+friday13thirteen We were underground for a long time

[@Robi6942]

For TOO long!!

[@kd1s]

Yeah the early 1980's were a little bit weird with regard to being gay. You had the whole HIV problem - which terrified a lot of us.

[@awesomedude584]

I don't think she was being genuine. Barbara Walters is not an ignorant woman and even in 1983 she was very worldly. Especially someone in show business in New York City, she likely had many gay friends. She had to ask these ignorant questions for the uninformed Americans. You have to read between the lines. For example, she said, "When did you know you were gay?" not "When did you decide to be gay?" or something absurd. In 20 years, I think we will look back on 20/20s recent profiles on transgender people in the same way.

[@awesomedude584]

This was actually 1983, a year before HIV had even been diagnosed as the cause of AIDS and before national awareness really began. Things got very bad in the next few years.

[@treyg2010]

He is so handsome here and his voice just floods my basement. Such an icon for the LGBT community

[@goldilox369]

Have to agree... He was hot AF! 🔥👍

[@jayjay86443]

@@goldilox369 Agreed. If you weren't gay before, you're gay now. He was a stunning figure.

[@theyouth2000]

Agreed.

[@mdaddy775]

Yeah! When I saw the thumbnail, I thought I was looking at Mel Gibson or someone like that

[@elijahhill6602]

He sounds like an undercover serial killer. He deserves an audiobook ASAP.

[@ThemanlymanStan]

Wow, what a powerful message of acceptance and normality Harvey Fierstein expressed through his answers. As a 23 year old gay man I just found this video. It really touched me. Im so greatful that people like him paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ to be treated with love and acceptance. I used to be afraid in high school and a couple years after about people finding out I am gay. I now am happily open to anyone about being gay. I was at first somewhat surprised how much acceptance I recieved from others. I never have been rejected for being gay. People have made some 'rude' questions or comments but were really stemming from ignorance and not from hate or disgust. I am so happy I can say that I love being me. I love being gay.

[@BretonInTokyo]

My absolute idol. Met him outside the theatre after seeing "Hairspray" and fell even more in love ! The sweetest man ever. I gave him a fan letter...and got the nicest reply ever 2 weeks later. This man is simply amazing.

[@ericlopez9107]

Was babba wawwa really THIS misinformed about gay people in 1983!!!???

[@corrinemills]

@@ericlopez9107 I think she was more so playing “devils advocate” and asking questions which seem really stupid and ignorant just so that when he answered them all the homophobes would see those questions and get an answer to them.

[@adamplunkett9589]

That is amazing! I find it very moving to think of him taking the time to sit down and write a reply to your letter. I love him even more now.

[@zacktyler2810]

How exciting.

[@willCaboutThat]

i love how close they're sitting and never looking away from each other. it's so intimate and respectful. Walter's questions seem blunt and ignorant but the whole production is set up to give harvey the best chance to make his case to ignorant americans who think they've never met a gay person

[@tom_something]

I was going to make the same comment. They're sitting closely, they're leaning toward each other, no one's folding their arms or covering part of their face. They're both solely devoted to asking honest questions, giving honest answers, and reacting to those answers honestly. One could easily assume they grew up together.

[@variousJnames]

9:59 "You could've done it!" I love his wisdom and sincerity

[@nateben-horin3507]

B-Wa is playing the devil's advocate. Her questions border on insulting, but each one gives Harvey the opportunity to drop some serious truth, while still protecting her image as a "skeptical" straight reporter.

[@blainegarcia2503]

It was a different time... *at least that's what the elders taught me to say*

[@CraigTulloch]

Nate Ben-Horin It was a very different time and she was presenting a insight into a world that not many people knew or were aware of. God back then people thought Liberace was heterosexual!! Things have changed enormously since that interview was broadcast. I remember the 80s and it’s hard for me to remember how closeted things were then.

[@williamnewton4357]

Well observed!

[@jleezy612]

Not bordering...blatantly insulting and ignorant.

[@bigchungus8538]

Harvey was so far ahead of his time in this interview. A truly insightful and extremely talented individual.

[@loodiamexican]

His voice penetrates. It doesn’t just resonate but rather sinks into everything and you not only hear him but you definite FEEL him. He’s had a lot to fight against and still does. He doesn’t take no for an answer.

[@ernestoubsedio6395]

I can see the anger, and passion in his eyes when he answers the questions. He did an amazing job

[@mikemathieson3700]

Man this guy is a legend, he is so eloquent and thank goodness he was at this time in history able to present such a positive representation of a gay man just living his life.

[@emily7103]

Holy cow, he was good-looking.

[@pbj3391]

Barbara should be grateful that Harvey was gentle while he schooled her in being a human being.

[@christianfranz2686]

I would not be gentle I would be the exact opposite

[@emilykayshrader106]

Just finished Harvey’s memoir and it’s one of the best reads. I just love him.

[@takispapas9887]

Fierstein is brilliant. We still answer the same questions today, and we shouldn t anymore. He said it all correctly in 5 minutes.

[@actownsend7288]

Smart guy and talented!!!

[@bonfiresandbeersahousereno4240]

Some comments below say how outrageous these questions are. But truly there are still people around us asking the same questions, and people who aren't aware that we are just the same as them. I think the most beautiful thing about this interview and Mr. Fierstein is that he handled every question with aplomb. He treated her with respect even if the questions in today's world seem outlandish. We should all take a note from his attitude and continue to raise awareness in this amazingly kind and simple way. He is such an inspiration!

[@jonathanrio6587]

Looking at this today in the year 2020, I am cringing by her questions! (I have to keep telling myself that this was 1983....) However, HIS answers are PERFECT! He even read her lightly when she said, "Just a few years ago, I couldn't have done this interview..." He didn't miss a beat and said, "YOU COULD HAVE!" He was SOOOOOO ahead of his time!!!!!!!!!

[@scottsantana2248]

Harvey Firestein is so damned articulate here, it kind of floors me. I'm so used to him being funny and sort of silly.

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Impressive actor

[@HalifaxViewers]

He always has been. Thats why he has been a role model and inspiration. On these very difficulty topics, he nails it in the least number of words possible

[@jellyrollnorton]

So much has changed in 40 years and so little has changed.

[@ROBOTkw1]

This was 40 years ago. Barbara Walters was most likely asking the questions that she was expected to ask. Harvey Fierstein gave very intelligent, compassionate answers- way ahead of the times.

[@jbt6007]

Thank you Harvey. Beautiful words......so many years ago. Barbara wasn't ready for those honest, intelligent responses. Lawd, how far we've come.........

[@EddieJamesUX]

Estelle Getty pre-Golden Girls is his mother in the brief clip of Torch song.

[@ronnie6902]

he is so honest and witty a great role model for all young gays. because he has been through it all!!

[@rogeekyu]

Is it just me or Harvey Fierstein looks so attractive in this interview?

[@tjwash2]

Rogeee I too was shocked

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

He's a sexy guy.

[@nSpiraliArchitectb]

He was young here but regardless his spirit is brilliant and strong, which is attractive to anyone. He knows who he is, and isn't afraid to express it.

[@paulbunyangonewild7596]

Its the open shirt.

[@rhiannonwinchester3031]

Harvey made a stand for LGBT rights and same-sex parents before it was cool! How can you not adore and admire such a witty, gutsy badass queen!

[@theforestero]

How expensive is Barbara WAlters?Can she be bought?

[@MarkWhitman-q3l]

Barbara WaWa is appropriate here! The queen of the lisp!!😂

[@calilovett2063]

Oh gosh this features a clip from the original Torch Song Trilogy play. I'm in bliss. Thank you SO MUCH. I love how calm, kind but unapologetic Harvey F. was during this interview. What a charming, brilliant guy!

[@Shindai]

It's the kind of fierce I wish I was, soft spoken and kind, but unflinching and honest and true to himself, as well as doing right by the rest of us by representing queer people so wonderfully :) He's iconic

[@alaindezii4445]

Wonderful heartfelt responses to all her questions, a beautiful human being.

[@jasonscott8265]

I tip my hat to you Harvey and those incredibly brave men and women who came before me. You are true to yourself and your bravery inspired and gave lots of us, in the gay community, the courage to openly be ourselves. Thank you..thank you....THANK YOU.

[@Car_Uma]

Fantastic man! So wise and so young at this point. Definitely a person to follow.

[@MrPoochsmooch]

DATED interview! DATED questions! But damn, how wonderful was this for 1983? I remember seeing this back when I was in high school and I have to say it made a difference. Thanks Harvey.

[@JanHannes]

Thank You Harvey for this courage.. You helped the world to be more open for this and made many straight people people understand, so that we, next generation have had it much easier, even though not easy... thank You ❤️

[@alecris33]

Oh Harvey, you are so Brave. Thak you for this amazing movie Torch song trilogy. This is my favorite movie in the world. I watch it when i'm sad, and i watch when i'm happy because i wanna remember that i am a human bein and i love like everybody else. And get married and have a family. Thank you Harvey.

[@chevychase]

Harvey was such a brilliant man at such a young age. Truly an American Treasure.

[@jonathanfunnell4167]

I Love Harvey Fierstein With All My Heart And Always Will

[@lottiesmith3643]

Damn he was beautiful in his youth, always loved him as an actor

[@DreaminNirvana]

😍I was only 6 and his words i am hearing at 44 crying ❤! Thank you Harvey! His Don't ask Don't tell "There are no Gay Heros" documentary was so helpful to watch as a youth and train as a marine. Ultimately i decided not to go to boot camp for I cannot harm life. But it was extremely important not to unalive and march for so many causes. Still we move and inspire those as we fight for the safety to live fully to have a chance at a full life which is so very vulnerable, brave, strong. At times in anguish of exhausting abuse but it matters. Every life matters. Why can't everyone just get that?! 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@themiddleones11]

Nothing gives me chills as much as him speaking the lyrics of i am what i am. Such beautiful poetry

[@napatablookz829]

I am 13 years old and I was today years old when I first heard about this wonderful individual. I wish I would have learned about him sooner, it makes me cry to think that the world used to think this way. It hurts me to see how frustrated he is with those ridiculous questions. I already love this man to death, a true legend

[@davidbreault3283]

Please go watch his monologue in torch song, splendid

[@br3akstuff]

This is the first time I have ever seen Mr. Fierstein as a young thing. Handsome and passionate.

[@DEAD-FROM-NY]

In case you couldn't notice, his MOTHER in Torch Song Trilogy was ESTELLE GETTY before she hit it big.

[@mike48877]

He said in another interview that he had her in mind for the role; knew she could deliver the lines. She became like a mother in the cast, when the AIDS epidemic hit; full of support and compassion: even brought chicken soup, thinking it could help! (Jewish mother recipe!)

[@jamesjenner5424]

He was brilliant and courageous in this interview

[@lisagorman2480]

God, I love him. So handsome, so smart, so warm and funny and bright.

[@mike48877]

Harvey was so direct and brilliant in this interview. And, stunning face and eyes. If looks could kill, Babs would have been dead! Too bad he's getting older (like the rest of us). We could still use his wisdom today!

[@seantodd8875]

That someone would have the guts to speak so openly about being gay in the early 80's like this. Bravo, Harvey. You paved the road for those of us younger than you to have a slightly easier time. A true pioneer.

[@GIguy]

Wow, that takes me back! I was just a teenager when this came out, it was the very first time in my life I realized it was OK to be who I was, but I wasn’t going to face a life of loneliness and misery.

[@NinaTaralon]

Beautiful and very sensitiv words. He doesn't blame, he just explains things from the heart.

[@livencali1]

Wow! Never saw this interview before. Can't understand why it was never huge. It was so educational and true. Still in shock that I was born into a world so hostile and unaccepting.

[@brendanbartlett7608]

He paved the way. He wrote the book. Because of him kids today CAN BE WHO THEY ARE. It's too bad kids will never know this. Thank you Harvey.

[@treavaannkellington3560]

He has said in recent interviews that he feels strongly in letting the young people lead in terms of LGBQT+ initiatives. So many activists do not think that way, but a power struggle between old and young rarely produces anything worthwhile. And a lot of his work is available online now -- and hopefully being digitally archived.

[@bella1975]

Harvey Fierstein is great. What he says makes alot of sense and is correct

[@paulward1847]

Such a very smart man. A hero in his time and now

[@frankesposito2182]

I agree....

[@Barcelona3xs]

FANTASTIC INTERVIEW !!

[@martynbutlerOBE]

could not love this man more

[@victoragoo7771]

Harvey Fierstein is my new gay hero. I just went and watch La Cage twice with ginger minj and was truly amazed and thrilled of how still timely it is. And Torch Song Trilogy, still one of my favorite movie.

[@darrenthetuber743]

Harvery's patience is being tested but man he keeps his cool and makes his points

[@DeadSetOnDestruction]

My phone vibrates when he talks

[@paulbunyangonewild7596]

I'm so hard of hearing my phone vibrates when she talks.

[@PupRiku]

I've come to watch this after listening to Harvey's memoir. He actually likes how this went and that it happened because it's been helpful to so many people since.

[@reddragonready]

Funny to see all the comments by ignorant people calling Walters ignorant. Do you people not understand at all that this is not a private conversation and that it is supposed to be watched by literally ignorant general public? The questions are intended to be the kind of questions an ignorant person in 1983 would honestly ask given the chance. And an opportunity for Harvey to answer them honestly and explain these matters. And he is doing an awesome job of it. For that time and level of knowledge amongst the audience, this was in fact an excellent interview.

[@frankesposito2182]

Harvey you Speak Brilliantly about LOVE & TOLERANCE !!! GOD BLESS YOU !!! BE WELL !!!

[@colinwhitfield8627]

So wild to go from binge watching RuPauls Drag Race to this video. Fierstein is a rock solid LEGEND.

[@MsFeyCreature]

So I'm impressed how well he bites his tongue throughout, but then he just goes for the throat about them never having done an interview like this before. No apology, no quarter, just "you could have done it and you should have done it." He's refusing to be let them score PR points through him and challenging them to take bigger risks. I respect that.

[@Ravaniscool]

It's very rare to meet genuine people like him! Hats off!

[@MrRee-rs5dm]

Harvey Firestein is pretty terrific.

[@rayevarney]

I saw Harvey in Torch Song in London in '85. He's so brilliant.

[@SardonicALLY]

Now that was a man. Bless him.

[@geoffmartin40]

1983 was such a different time...I wish I would have been old enough to have enjoyed the work of pioneers like Harvey Fierstein. What an incredible man...glad I can enjoy him today!

[@robertoayala]

He made life 100% a better world.. HE IS A BRAVO MAN

[@alaly1027]

I am what I am is such a POWERFUL song. Those lyrics get me every time.

[@destineydevereux4722]

I get goosebumps watching Harvey staring down Barbara while answering her archaic questions,,,you can tell he never takes sh-t from anyone, I love him so much!!🏳️‍🌈💋

[@EYE_GOTCHA]

They were friends and Walters purposely asked the questions that way in order to educate the many ignorant members of her viewing audience.

[@pam0626]

This is simply wonderful. Such a smart, erudite man.

[@steev0510]

I just love and admire this man so much!! Wish I could meet him!

[@mattoneill1272]

thanks Harvey for your wisdom and humour and strength.

[@nduncan79]

He is always been beautiful and he is so kind. He is one of my favorite personalities.

[@adamyourke]

So tragic that so many leaders would find this interview enlightening after 39 years. Harvey, you are my hero! And Barbara wasn’t too bad either.

[@RaymondHng]

11:28 Even after having seen _La Cage aux Folles_ on stage, the final lyrics of the song still brings tears today.

[@BretonInTokyo]

And that voice....makes me melt !

[@Dan-B]

These questions make you realise how far we’ve come

[@craigslivka1]

My folks took me as a teen to see the original run of La Cage on Broadway. I have never (even over the last decade or so with youtube) have I ever seen this interview. What a wonderfully strong, intelligent, patient, and wise hero, Harvey was/is. I always had a deep admiration for him, but this interview blew me away at how comfortable he was at that time in his "skin" (so to speak) and how loving and eloquent his responses were. at various points, it would have been very simple to make a very catty and sarcastic response, but Harvey choose one of love and understanding. I think he also understood that he was at the very beginning of a turning point where gay acceptance over the following decade grew in such numbers that no conservative, religious, or psychological movements of stupidity could prevent the idea of a person, is a person, is a person, they just view the world thru different lenses. I think Harvey is one of the unsung or spoken-about heros in gay culture.

[@diezauberwelt]

Stunning. Extremely important.

[@jessjenkins5474]

Stunning man, absolutely stunning

[@aburke0823]

"You could have done it. You would have had to fight but you could have done it." Truth.

[@salamandraeest6785]

I only knew of him from Mrs Doubtfire. He is such an amazing guy. I love his intensity and self assuredness. Mesmerising.😍

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Same

[@matthewkolodziej]

Before everyone rags on Barbara's ignorance remember this interview was a daring thing to air in 1983. Just talking about homosexuality on TV then was brave and progressive.

[@act4666]

Those jackasses will find a reason to hate Barbara so don’t worry about them

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

Yeah, I didn’t even know about this. I do like Harvey’s answers and Barbara giving this interview. I don’t think she’s the best journalist or interviewer over the years and sometimes asks dumb questions. But she did interview amazing interesting people who others ignored.

[@summermen]

I love the way he hones in on her -- Harvey is FIERCE!

[@ivojuhani]

Bless. Harvey’s patience and empathy.

[@missmew5240]

He was way ahead of his time! What a sweetheart and so handsome ❤

[@helookalikaman79]

The interview reminds me of my aunt asking questions. And just to make it funny, I used a OLD joke on her... She had asked of I "played the man" or "played the woman".... I told her, I don't play the man or the woman, I play the dog.... she dropped the phone...

[@treavaannkellington3560]

I still find it remarkable that he was only 29 when this interview aired. His memoir is fantastic -- I knew very little about him other than him being part of gay Broadway and reading about the off-off-Broadway companies has been a revelation. And Estelle Getty! We wouldn't have had the Golden Girls without Harvey!

[@edwardkroupa5177]

What an incredible authentic person It’s never about being gay or straight but always about being a human being People like him who are 1000 times authentic get written off weather your gay or straight very inspiring for all people And for people getting on Barbara Walters this is how people spoke and thought about the gay and lesbian community is it wrong yes but both did a fantastic interview

[@VeracityLH]

Bless him, he put my thoughts into words. Can we just let people be people and love who they love?

[@chrismcevoy2503]

He's a wonderful actor.

[@ThankYouPain09]

Omg I’ve always seen Barbara as an old lady it’s weird seeing her as a younger lady! Also Harvey needs to play Ursula

[@thatepicwizardguy]

Harvey Fierstein, what a fantastic example of a person.

[@FaliusAren]

The parallels between this interview and present day interviews with trans people is astounding. PS: i could listen to harvey explain my own orientation to me in that husky voice for hours

[@jimmyl324]

What a great interview for 1983 and for always !

[@jdkorn22ify]

I literally only knew this guy from 'Elmo saves Christmas' as a kid. Just saw him in something else and decided to look him up on youtube, I'm glad I did. I had no idea how smart of a dude he was very ahead of his time.

[@MrTiannaRawr]

oh my god, you just woke a memory up that was so far in my subconscious. I couldn't put my finger on why I knew his voice

[@valerielaclair2173]

Handsome, creative, brilliant guy.

[@kayregulski6828]

I love torch Song trilogy. I have seen it probably four or five times already.