AR: We're definitely aware of that. We'd have to be idiots not to. I think, for me, when Indigo Girls become a punch line, that's just incredible homophobia, especially when it comes from our own community. For me, I don't take it on a personal level. I take it on a political level. This is not how you build allies. But, when it's done in a subversive way – South Park has done stuff on us before that was pretty clever – but there are other times when I just think, "That's the lowest common denominator." As for "lesbian" – that word and just the idea of what a lesbian is, is so derided. It's a derogatory word, even in the gay women's community. It's a generational thing in some ways. It's a balance, you know? I define myself as queer more than lesbian because of my gender duality. I think that some people don't define themselves as lesbians purely because it's a derogatory term.

AB: When you say that you view "lesbian" as a derogatory word, is that because it's so clinical, like homosexual?

AR: "Lesbian" became this sort of identifiable mark. Indigo Girls is a great association with that – a certain kind of gay woman who has all of these stereotypical things about her – they way that they dressed and the things that they do and bringing with them this type of person and sort of in a way that's not flattering: a lack of style, a sort of way of socializing – I can't even put my finger on all of the descriptions.

AB: Even if people are going to read "lesbian" or "Indigo Girl" one way, you guys did in many ways help build visibility for lesbians. Even if there is negative attached to it, ultimately that negative has worked for good.

AR: I totally agree. I'm just talking about the punch line aspect. I wouldn't trade my career for anything. We're just part of a greater group of people who helped move in that direction and open the door wider, as was done with us. So, I'm happy about it. I don't dwell on the punch line aspect of it at all. I'm so used to it and it's kind of one of those things where the positive stuff is so great and our career has been so great and people are into it. It's just a great way to make a living, too. I just feel lucky.

AB: You used the word “vapid” earlier while discussing the “new lesbian” – and we were talking about the Indigo Girls being lesbians and political. That made me think of the decline of identity politics. I think that a lot of people my age – I’m 26-years old – including myself… I don’t know if I always consider the fact that I’m gay to be a political thing. Do you consider your lesbian identity to be a political thing?

AR: Um – sometimes. And yours is political sometimes, too, whether you know it or not. If you go hang out in another country where homosexuality’s illegal, you’re definitely political. It depends on what world you’re moving in – your gayness can be very political. People have to realize that their privilege might have something to do with where you are and all that stuff. I don’t know – sometimes I think that being gay is a political thing and sometimes it’s not. I don’t even think about it.