Patricia Clarkson stars as the late equal pay activist Lily Ledbetter in the recently released biopic, and she has a particular desire. The Oscar-nominated actress hopes that if a woman in America decides to withhold intimacy from her partner, particularly a man in a position of power, it would send a stronger message about the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives than her film’s subject might suggest.
“Don’t pursue this lightly, as there might be a moment of Lysistrata,” she shared in an interview with The Guardian. “I’ll put on the metaphorical chastity belt.”
Clarkson isn’t the first to evoke the idea of sex strikes as a form of protest. However, what makes her remarks intriguing is that they coincide with the early months of a potential second term for President Donald Trump, whose tenure is often marked by policies that threaten the professional opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
Director Rachel Feldman expertly depicts the struggles of Ledbetter, who began working at Goodyear in Alabama in 1979, rising to become the only female supervisor while facing significant wage disparities compared to her male counterparts. Ledbetter eventually sued, receiving an initial award of nearly $4 million, but the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled against her, arguing she had missed the deadline to file.
Despite this setback, her advocacy led to legislative change during President Barack Obama’s administration.
Clarkson never met Ledbetter, who passed away at 86 in October, but she felt a connection through her own mother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Brechtel Clarkson, known for her fierce political involvement and raising five working daughters.
“I found parallels between their spirits while preparing for the role,” Clarkson remarked.
The political landscape portrayed in the film is dramatically altered by archival footage of liberal figures who supported Ledbetter’s causes. Under President Trump, the Supreme Court significantly undermined reproductive rights by overturning Roe v. Wade. Additionally, the Trump administration announced intentions to cut funding for agencies focusing on diversity initiatives, especially after the events surrounding George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Just days after the film’s release, the Secretary of Defense outlined plans to dismantle programs aimed at promoting women’s contributions and safety in conflict zones, a move that raised eyebrows given its support among Trump’s inner circle.
Clarkson emphatically defended diversity and inclusion efforts, urging Americans to remain engaged with these crucial discussions. “Working with individuals from all backgrounds is what makes our world vibrant,” she said, rejecting any notion that would demonize such values.
During a recent screening in New Orleans, where she received an award, Clarkson expressed disbelief at the possibility of the Trump administration reversing progress on equal pay. “Equal pay should not be politicized,” she stated. “It’s fundamentally a human rights issue.”
“Where you stand in this country, regardless of race, age, or political affiliation, when women earn equal pay, it benefits everyone,” she added.
However, many in New York City are concerned that nothing is really off the table during Trump’s second term, as political norms continue to shift. Clarkson, noticing this uncertainty, suggested that even Ivanka Trump might feel the need to intervene if the administration considered reinstating discriminatory wage practices.
Reflecting on personal experiences, Clarkson mentioned a humorous scenario involving household dynamics linked to pay equity. “You might wonder, ‘If we aren’t being paid fairly, how can intimacy continue?’”, she quipped in reference to a past music video appearance.
Clarkson noted that she finds it vital to highlight how Ledbetter’s struggles extended beyond her, particularly regarding her husband, Charles, who staunchly supported her despite pressures faced from society. His support remained steadfast until his passing in 2008, just before the passage of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Clarkson was struck by the devotion Charles showed to Lily, reminding her of her own parents’ relationship. “My father truly wanted my mother to shine in her career,” she shared from a suite in New Orleans.
“Lily’s journey mirrored those sacrifices, as she fought for herself and future opportunities for women,” Clarkson concluded, expressing a desire for more men to emulate the supportive roles of figures like Charles Ledbetter and her father.
Clarkson emphasized, “These incredible men stood beside these women, empowering them in face of challenges.”
