This interview contains spoilers forBuffy the Vampire Slayer.
Part of the reason was that it was so natural.
Unlike other TV shows, Willows coming out was not publicised.
But she knew the whole time.
Amber Benson:Gives you goosebumps.
(laughs)
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It does.
The lovely thing was the way that they eventually became lovers.
What struck me about that moment was that it was really filmed for people who loved the story.
It was not filmed for male consumption; it wasnt two hot chicks making out.
Well, it really wasnt us; it was the connection.
They really were anti-showing anything.
Just to get the kiss inThe Bodywas like pulling teeth.
We were all up in arms about it.
We cant kiss, all this stuff were not allowed to do.
You are saying that this is okay.
Youre putting it out into the mainstream.
The relationship is so special, and the way you treat each other.
That is what is important.
He said what we were doing was going to have an impact ten years down the road.
Its not about making out, even though you would like that.
But you have to understand that what you are doing is making social commentary.
Yes, that was hysterical and a real wink to the audience that thisiswhat really going on.
And lets face it, Willow wasnt all that sexual of the character to begin with.
Benson:Even if it had been with Xander…it really wasnt inherently who she was.
So I heard a rumour that Joss asked you to come back evil and you said no way.
Benson:Yeah, Id kind of hit the wall at that point.
I was getting to direct this thing for the BBC.
I had co-written a piece with Christopher Golden calledGhosts of Albion.
It was an animated series for the BBC, and I was asked to direct the actors.
I was devastated, and I cant watch the show anymore.
But you know, I dont know if theyre going to have another season or whats going to happen.
And for me, we did this awful thing.
And it was the one time that it wasnt magic.
It was super violent really…
It was shocking, really shocking…
Benson:Right!
It was not a normalBuffydeath.
And so I thought, I cant add to that.
When I heard what you had done, I thought, well done, Amber.
Benson:I think it was important that she was clear, I want to be with women.
These are feelings and these are valid and its okay to be who you are regardless.
If you find someone who loves you, you are, excuse my French, fucking lucky.
I sometimes get upset when people call me an ally for gay rights.
Im not fighting the fight for someone else; I am fighting the fight for me.
Because I could wake up tomorrow and find myself in love with a woman.
Benson:Thats right.
AndnowIm going to throw in?
Its the right of all of us to love who we love.
So we all have a stake.
We are who we are.
But its the number one thing that people come over to say, Iloveyour bag.
(laughs) Love that.
And its a great conversation starter.
Which is whyyour roleinHusbandswas so hysterical (in both senses of the word).
You get to play the flip side of that acceptance.
Someone whose bag would read…differently.
Was that role your way of channeling every terrible thing youve ever heard?
And yes, there is just hate.
People are just filled with hate because theyre scared.
So I thought, this woman, she is scared for her baby…her fake baby.
It was really fun.
I feel likeHusbandsis doing something really important, in the same way we did with Buffy.
So you have been doing so much.
Books, directing, comics…
Attention Deficit Disorder or Renaissance woman?
Also paying bills because paying bills is very important these days.
As a creative individual, as Im sure you know, being one thing does not pay the bills.
You have to diversify and do lots of different things.
And I am open to that anyways, because I like to make stuff.
you know Im really open to stuff.
Ive very much enjoyed writing the books.
That I really enjoyed.
And you have the music…
Benson:Well, more singing in the shower than anything else.
Benson:Oh, that was so much fun.
He showed up with his own kit.
He had his own heels and stockings…he has got great legs.
Amber Benson, thank you very much!
