Kat Timpf: Breaking stereotypes and embracing fluidity
A unique voice in the media landscape
Working for a major news network often comes with a set of assumptions. Just ask Kat Timpf, the sharp-witted co-host of “Gutfeld!” and a prominent analyst. Timpf is a force to be reckoned with, consistently challenging the expectations placed upon her. She defies easy categorization, neither aligning with the MAGA crowd nor the Never Trumpers. Her latest book, “I Used to Like You Until…: (How Binary Thinking Divides Us)”, opens with a humorous yet poignant story about a romance with a woman that was cut short by the woman’s mother—a feminist gender studies professor, not a conservative Christian.
“I don’t want to be graphic, but, umm, I wasn’t being anti-woman,” Timpf quips about the encounter.
Navigating public and private spheres
On a sweltering August afternoon, Timpf reflects on how her revelation of being sexually fluid might be received by both her audience and critics.
“That seems dramatic to me,” she laughs. “Everyone in my life already knew. I just never talked about it publicly because I didn’t want it to become a bigger deal than it was to me.”
Timpf has a lot on her plate. Her new book is set to release on September 10, and she is 17 weeks pregnant with her first child. Amidst these personal milestones, she offers a sobering analysis of our divided society, a theme that resonates even more in an election year.
The challenges of being a public figure
In her book, Timpf discusses her status as a pariah in certain circles. She recounts an incident with an ex-boyfriend, a rapper, who quickly deleted a photo of her wearing his clothes to avoid any association with a Fox News personality.
“It’s happened even when I try to book theaters for my comedy tour. They don’t want a Fox person at their venue,” she says. “It doesn’t make sense to me. If you think I’m disgusting for who I am, that’s one thing. But if it’s just because of where I work, that’s another.”
Despite the challenges, Timpf maintains friendships across the political spectrum, including at MSNBC.
“Greg [Gutfeld] and I have been close for about a decade,” she says. “I have friends all over the political spectrum. It’s sad that we live in a culture where people are written off because of a single viewpoint or association.”
Embracing vulnerability
Timpf receives a lot of hate mail, but she has found a way to turn it into something positive. Her book features a photo of her covered in hate letters, symbolizing her willingness to be vulnerable.
“The idea is to be vulnerable, even in the face of overwhelming hatred. Binary thinking is the enemy of critical thinking. Once we choose a side, the thinking is done for us.”
A third-party perspective
As the election approaches, Timpf remains steadfast in her decision to vote third party. She won’t be casting a vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
“I just know that no matter who wins, the other side will blame me for the loss because I didn’t vote for either one.”
Kat Timpf continues to be a compelling figure in the media landscape, challenging stereotypes and encouraging critical thinking. Her journey is a testament to the power of individuality and the importance of breaking free from binary thinking.
For more insights into Kat Timpf’s work, check out her latest book, “I Used to Like You Until…: (How Binary Thinking Divides Us)”.