Kathryn Hahn, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “WandaVision” and “Bad Moms,” recently discussed her embrace of the affectionate nickname “Mother” bestowed upon her by the LGBTQ+ community. Appearing on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Hahn expressed her appreciation for the term, highlighting its empowering and respectful connotations.
During the podcast, Amy Poehler referred to Hahn as “Mother Hahn,” a nod to Hahn’s Instagram handle and the affectionate title given to her by her queer fans. The term “Mother” has gained popularity in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among younger fans, as a way to express admiration and reverence for older female celebrities who exude wisdom, strength, and allure.
Hahn compared this adoration to the character of Anne Bancroft in The Graduate, noting a “cougary vibe” to the affection she receives. Poehler elaborated on the term’s meaning, describing it as a compliment that acknowledges someone’s wisdom and fortitude while still making them feel attractive and powerful. She emphasized that “Mother” conveys both dominance and reverence, creating a blend of respect and allure.
The origins of the term “Mother” in the queer community can be traced back to the 1980s New York City ballroom scene, where it was used to denote a matriarchal figure who provides guidance and support to others. Hahn expressed her admiration for the term’s history and its continued significance, stating, “I love it. It moves me so much.”
In addition to discussing the term “Mother,” Hahn and Poehler touched upon the increased recognition Hahn has received in recent years, particularly following her role as Agatha Harkness in Marvel’s WandaVision and its spin-off series Agatha All Along. Poehler noted that Hahn’s popularity among gay men and young queer women has grown significantly, with Hahn acknowledging the importance of this fanbase. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I love the very young queer women that loved Agatha All Along. That was such a huge part of our audience that was very, very moving.”
Hahn also discussed the queer themes present in Agatha All Along, emphasizing that the show’s creators intentionally infused it with queer energy. She recalled the joy of seeing a WandaVision drag brunch, which she described as “the greatest tribute we could possibly ever have.” Hahn expressed pride in the show’s representation, stating that the queerness is “in the bones” of the series.
The series features a queer relationship between Hahn’s character and Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal, marking a significant moment in Marvel’s LGBTQ+ representation. Additionally, the show introduced Joe Locke as Wiccan, a character who is canonically queer. Hahn expressed her pride in these developments, noting that the show’s embrace of queerness adds depth and richness to the Marvel universe.
Hahn’s discussions on the podcast reflect her evolving relationship with her LGBTQ+ fanbase and her role in promoting inclusive representation in the entertainment industry. Her acknowledgment of the term “Mother” and her reflections on her career highlight the importance of embracing diverse audiences and fostering a culture of respect and admiration.
As Hahn continues to take on roles that resonate with queer audiences, her influence as a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community is likely to grow, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted and empowering presence in entertainment.
