Revealing... My guilty pleasure? Britney Spears

Tiffany Paynter is currently working with the Human Rights Commission and the US Consul General to host a forum on inclusion as it relates to the LGBT community.

It is at Bermuda College, Hallett Hall, on Tuesday, June 24, at 6pm.

She said: “Ultimately the purpose of the “Bringing Rights to Life” forum is to create a safe space for our community to talk about what inclusion looks like and why it matters. Personally, I am looking forward to this being an uplifting conversation, one that speaks to what is possible and connects everyone in the room on a deeper level. Every conversation is a gift in that it gives us an opportunity to connect with one another.”

Interview by Sarah Lagan.

When did you last laugh out loud?

I was playing a board game called Settlers of Citan with my friends) Louis, Laurel and Jenny and it was just way too late in the day and we were all so ridiculously competitive. Love those lot!

Your earliest memory?

Being at St George’s Preschool playing house with my ‘husband’ Chris Collette, feeling happy and full.

What were you like in school?

Disobedient but respectful. Disruptive but apologetic. Competitive and curious. In high-school I was the annoying overachiever mostly I was just focused on trying to get a scholarship to get to university. I’d be the first in my family to get there. 

If you were given a million dollars tomorrow, what would you do with it?

I would find someone much brighter than me to help make my money make money and then once I’m a multi-millionaire probably be extraordinarily generous to myself, my loved ones and others. 

Who is your hero/heroine?

Harriet Tubman. I struggle with sacrifice on the small scale and the large scale. She didn’t just contribute, that’s easy. She appointed herself responsible for and capable of freeing others. 

 Human trait you value most in others?

Patience and courage are tied. Patience is peaceful and wise, considerate and forgiving. Courage...well, I do unwise things when I’m afraid. We could all use a little more courage. 

What’s one of your favourite quotations?

“I do not weep at the world. I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.”  — Zora Kneale Hurston 

“If you even dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologize.” — Ali

Do you believe in fate?

Some days I do. Some days I don’t. I believe in free will every day all day long.

Your greatest fear?

The opposite of freedom —  fear.

Your ultimate ambition?

I don’t have one at least not an ultimate one. Though Toni Morrison’s grass looks pretty green from my yard. A life like that seems like one worthy of pursuit. 

Your most unappealing habit?

Unappealing to others — my tone can be condescending at times, I want to change that. Is that a habit? 

Unappealing to me — replaying conversations in my head over and over again.

Describe yourself in three words

Sea. Stars. Sun.

Which human trait do you dislike the most?

Narcissism.

Best party you’ve ever been to?

Soul Shakedown — this dance that ended with a good friend teaching me the best way to hold hands while walking home.

Worst job you’ve ever done?

A bank teller. I’m sure some people would prefer being a teller to something else but I am not one of them. 

Biggest regret?

Don’t have a biggest, just several small ones. 

Your desert island song?

Stevie Wonder — Sir Duke…that’s just pure joy right there.

What animal would you be and why?

I would be a phoenix  — why? Because I’d never want to give up my wings once I had them and I’d never have to. 

What do you do if you can’t sleep?

Suffer. 

If you had a time machine, where would you go?

Only forward to see if we learn anything.

Your most memorable dream?

I am walking into the sea and suddenly a mermaid is pulling me deeper down than could be possible. But I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid of never getting back to the shore. 

Most unpleasant exchange you’ve have had with a person?

Queen’s University — Dan Kim.

Best advice you have ever taken?

When you break — break open. 

Nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?

I love you.

Define romantic love.

Love that is very romantic. 

 Most treasured possession?

Gifts without strings attached.

A dream location for a home?

A treehouse in a huge ponciana tree, with a view of the sunset overlooking the water and a gorgeous bathroom. 

What keeps you up at night?

Tomorrow.

Guilty pleasure?

Britney Spears

Favourite film?

The Matrix.

Most important lesson life has taught you?

Don’t bite the hook.

What would you most like to be remembered for?

Being remembered would be enough.