L-word: Where do you see yourself in five years?

 

HP: I never plan. This is been the first time that I’ve had to actually, through my management team that actually put an 18-month plan together. I’m a real “fly by the seats of my pants”. I really do just go with the flow and not have a plan, which isn’t always a good thing and maybe at my age I should. In five years time ideally I’d like to still be with Ellie. I’d like us to be married by then and I probably like us to have a child. This is probably the longest term plan I’ve got. As far as career-wise I’m just taking it as it goes.

 

L-word: We are running out of time so my last question is about charities. You mentioned that the organization Diversity Role Model asked you to become their patron. Are there any other charities that you support?

 

HP: Yes, I used to run for leukemia research. Maybe people don’t know that but I’ve done four marathons. I’ve done London three times and New York once. I haven’t been involved with them the last year just because I didn’t want to run. I might get back involved with them doing some triathlons. I’d be very interested in working for some women’s charities, not necessarily predominantly gay. I think, as much as I’d like to work against the anti-bullying and I will work for kids and stuff like that, but I’m predominantly and ultimately a woman first before I’m gay.

 

I’d like to get involved with some actual women’s rights stuff, possibly involved in shelters for women who are trying to escape bad shit that’s going on. There’s loads of terrible stuff going on in Africa and we are thinking of doing some documentaries about it. I still think there’s a hell of a long way to go for women’s rights and gay rights and I want to fight sisters’ cause a bit more.

 

L-word: Do you have your role models?

 

HP: My role models? My mom. No one really now. I guess I did as a kid but not really anyone now.

 ©l-word.com

L-word: Well, congratulations on your engagement. That’s another thing that maybe not everyone knows about, so we did get five things. Thank you.