5 Questions You Shouldn't Ask (But Really Want To) — Ricky Sim
We at Fringebiscuit know that some questions are better left unasked because: a) “it’s awkward”, 2) “boundaries are healthy”, 3) “that’s how Zoom meetings start and you’re still in your PJ’s”. However, we boldly embrace awkwardness to bring fresh gossip news about the best gigs in town. Today’s the turn of NY-based stand-up comedian Ricky Sim, whose latest #edfringe23 hit “Coming Out To Dead People (An Asian Queer Story)” is back for a run at Soho Theatre (London). Ricky unearths his juiciest secrets as a closeted teenage #gaysian in the noughties grappling with the decision to come out to his Chinese-Malaysian mother…
Fringebiscuit: What’s the weirdest date feedback you’ve ever gotten?
Ricky Sim: “How come you have broader shoulders than the average Asian gays…” - a white man once asked me during our first date. I asked where he benchmarks the “average” shoulder width, he proceeded to give a list of his favourite Thai porn stars.
FB: In 'Coming Out to Dead People', you talk about secrets. What's the most embarrassing secret someone assumed you'd take to the grave, but you're willing to spill now?
RS: My childhood crush - the blue ranger of the original Power Ranger series. Funny thing is, the actor who played Blue Ranger has come out as gay many years later. Gaysian manifestation is powerful and real baby.
FB: In the ‘Freaky Friday’ movie of your life, what is the most traumatic moment for you as your parent and vice versa?
RS: When one of my parents becomes me, right before I elope; and when I become one of my parents the moment before they write me off their will.
FB: If you had to perform a stand-up routine in the afterlife, which historical figure would you want in the front row and why?
RS: Confucius. It’d be fun to ask if he thinks some of his sayings can apply to gay sex. When he said “If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand” - is he telling me I should expand my Grindr geographic coverage as far as possible so I won’t find sorrow nearby?
FB: Your gravestone is your last chance for a punchline. What's the epitaph you'd choose to commemorate yourself?
RS: “Gay… but never had a daddy issue”
Catch “Coming Out to Dead People (An Asian Queer Story)” from 22-24 January. Tickets here