Wonder Woman: The Lois Lane podcast

Etta Candy

Lois "Good morning everyone, a bright early day in Metropolis as this week we speak to Etta Candy, one of Wonder Woman's first allies and a continued support for her and the team. So Etta has worked primarily in Boston and is now in San Francisco working with the Wonder Girls. So good morning Etta, thanks for joining us"

Etta "Thank you Lois for having me, it was a surprise to get your email after we met"

L "So let's start at the start then, since our listeners do not know your story. I'll sit back and let you take it away"

E "Thanks, so growing up I had some health issues and was quite introverted. I had stuff I bottled in such as my identity which I'll come onto later. I struggled to find work so I joined the police force, unfortunately for me, I was placed to work under Tom Tresser who I'm sure you all know. Back before he was a supervillain maniac, he was still evil to the core. He was immune to people reporting him for misconduct, unprofessionalism and used his status to his advantage. He gave me and other women hard times but I couldn't leave the only job I was successful at getting. As time progressed, I was committed to being an honest cop. I never took bribes, I focused my resources on helping people and stood up to my colleagues when they misbehaved. This obviously decreased my fondness rating but I didn't care, I had a job to do and my morals are essential. Things started going worse when I came out as lesbian. I did this publicly on social media but also told my parents, who immediately disowned me. I was living at home then and they kicked me out. Both my parents are very religious and detest homosexuality and they were furious to learn I was having a secret girlfriend too. Tom and the police force also had their lions share of hate towards me"

L "I'm sorry you went through all that. I was speaking to Becca and Donna and we both touched upon the importance of respecting identity and women autonomy"

E "Of course. Y'know I've experienced it all- racism, misogyny, homophobia. People made fun of my figure or the way I talk. It took a toll on me but a very special woman entered my life, the woman I call my friend"

L "Yes! Wonder Woman or as we know her, our friend Diana"

E "She noticed I was in an oppressed position and essentially saved me from Tom. She asked me to join her team so I did. Steve was very accommodating and my friend Becca I already knew. I learnt my ex-girlfriend at the time Barbara Minerva was also there. Not only did she save me but she saved other queer people and women across the world. She is proud of her identity and stands up for everyone who deserves it. The most iconic and popular figure today being a queer woman who spreads her peaceful ideals and feminism really elevated the world and all of us are indebted to Diana"

L "Completely agreed, she is very important to these identities as well as humanity as a whole"

E "Umm hmm"

L "So you mentioned Barbara Minerva, your ex-girlfriend but people know her as a variety of other roles. She was a pretty niche archeologists, Diana's friend but most know her as the Cheetah. Now it affected Diana greatly but I can't imagine how it affected you"

E "It was devastating. To see the woman I loved turn into a cursed monster. To learn she was unwillingly killing and causing fear. To then see her attack me and once she was finally cured, she was killed by a wretched lawman who aligned with the enemy. I reflected on this and still do, I found that I blamed myself and Diana's comforting words weren't enough at times. But I did some meditation, I took in Diana's guidance and the support of my friends. Instead of regretting a past that I could not control, I must keep the fuzzy, lovable Minerva in my heart. I quickly recovered from a Circe illusion who tried to blame me again and now I live forward in her memory"

L "Very heartwarming. So that's the hidden life of Etta that you bravely shared. I guess is there any more you'd like to talk about?"

E "I guess I want to close this interview by telling people to live their identity and never change, unless your evil, in fact change immediately"

L "Haha"

E "Look around for inspiration and do not wait for desperation"

L "Lovely words and it has been lovely having you on. I understand you have a meeting down town so I best get you on your way"

E "Thank you for having me"

L "Pleasure is all mine"