[Interview to be found in the winter issue of têtu· magazine, available at your newsstands or delivered to your home by subscription.] Pregnant, the comedian Tahnee takes a small break in her career. That didn’t stop her from welcoming us into her bathroom to talk about pregnancy, beauty routine, and stretch marks.
Photography: Audoin Desforges for têtu·
- What does it feel like to see yourself pregnant in the mirror?
Behind this pregnancy, there was a long and tedious fertility treatment journey, which generated a lot of mental load. So, when I learned that I was pregnant, and especially when it started to show, I felt immense gratitude toward my body. Maybe that’s why I love showing it on social media so much!
- Is it disorienting to see your body change over the months of pregnancy?
It’s dizzying to see my body transform so much. Especially knowing that some traces will remain… But there are also changes that aren’t visible: for example, because of hormones, I can ride through all the emotions in a single day. True roller coasters!
- Did you want to carry the baby for the relationship?
I wanted to experience this, and my partner less so. My analogy might be a bit silly, but for me this experience is a bit like everyone telling you about an amazing ride at a fair: it would be silly to go on it without riding!
- Are you one of those people who always knew they wanted to be parents?
It’s always been there, probably because of the “they married and had many children” line that we’re fed. But when you understand that you are a lesbian, you realize it’s not necessarily going to be easy, and then it becomes a real reflection. I really wanted it, because I’ve always loved children, babies… I have a nephew and two nieces, I adore them, it’s an immense source of love. I knew it was for me.
- Being pregnant, it’s also a slowdown in your career. How do you experience that?
With difficulty, because I’m naturally quite hyperactive. I did my last scene at La Flèche d’or in November, and it pained me to think I wouldn’t perform for at least four months. It’s been a while since I took such a long break. But it’s a good thing, because in the performing arts we hardly allow ourselves long breaks. And then pregnancy inspires me with jokes, I’ll have material for my return!
- If your child identifies as a little heterosexual cisgender boy, would you panic?
We must be prepared for that possibility! But I see things more in the opposite direction: if my child is queer, I know they will have plenty of resources and that they will grow up in the safest possible environment.
- With your partner, have you started addressing the topic of education?
What’s certain is that they will have two moms and a largely queer circle: they will swim in that environment. I hope they soak up a bit of it, because queer culture is very beautiful; it spreads strong universal messages: self-acceptance, being proud of your body, asserting oneself despite differences…
- What is your bathroom essential?
Music! I love taking a shower singing. It’s the place where I most easily disconnect from the world and where I often have ideas for jokes.
- Do you ever take baths to relax?
Sometimes, though I feel guilty, because it uses a lot of water. I used to take quite a few at the start of the pregnancy, but today, it’s over, because I can’t find a comfortable position in the tub!
- Has your beauty routine changed since you became pregnant?
My beauty routine was already very limited. I remain a little Decathlon-dyke: just a toothbrush, a day cream and a shampoo are enough for me. But I still pay more attention to my skin. I use moisturizing creams based on petroleum jelly, because I started to develop large stretch marks on the chest. Sexy, right?
- What is your best bathroom memory?
When I lived in a small apartment in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, I liked to play guitar in the bathroom, because there was a nice resonance. I used to do covers that I then posted on YouTube. I did one of Oxmo Puccino… who later asked me to come perform it in a Planète Rap session!
- What is the most intimate thing in your bathroom?
My body. The bathroom is the place where I connect with my body, I watch it change. I see the skin stretch, the white hairs appear, the pimples… It’s a real moment of self-connection, and since I’m someone quite modest, it’s really a privileged space.
