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Amber Johnson is widely recognized as an actress, director, and writer, but she’s also an outspoken feminist. “I can’t control how the world perceives me, but if that’s how they see me, I’m okay with it,” she remarks.
Her impressive acting resume includes roles in popular series like “Joan of Arcadia,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” and the new FX show “Z: The Last Man,” debuting on September 13. While she excels in her career, her true identity is rooted in activism. Johnson is a thoughtful writer and a passionate advocate for issues like sexual harassment and racism, and as a mother, she is especially concerned about the future, particularly in light of Texas’ stringent abortion law, which prohibits abortions after six weeks and allows citizens to act as vigilantes against those who assist in the procedure.
“I had been preparing for this moment for a while, watching as the pro-life movement and conservatives strategically pushed for this over the past 30 years,” she explains.
Despite her concerns, Johnson remains cautiously hopeful.
When did you first realize this was really happening?
“I began to feel anxious when many of my lawyer friends started discussing the implications. I had been bracing myself, but then suddenly everyone around me was shocked—‘Whoa, this just happened!’ It’s disheartening, terrifying, and deeply upsetting, especially given the law’s punitive nature. Nobody knows they’re pregnant at six weeks—only those undergoing in vitro do, and they aren’t looking for abortions.”
She emphasizes the absurdity of this law: “It’s frustrating, and the bounty on our heads is infuriating. The right’s hypocrisy is astounding: they champion ‘my body, my choice’ regarding masks and vaccines, yet believe they can dictate what happens to our bodies.”
“It’s discouraging. It’s tough to stay positive.”
Johnson believes this moment serves as a wake-up call: “We can’t afford to be complacent. This is the country we were born into and love for various reasons. The fact that they’ve spent 30 years trying to reverse this speaks volumes about their determination. I hope this ignites a larger movement, reminding people that nothing is guaranteed—not even voting. Local elections matter, and we must change who holds power.”
Has motherhood intensified your drive?
“I don’t think it made me more driven; I’ve been consistently angry for years. It’s just a reminder that we can’t take a break. If we don’t continue to advocate for change, it will only worsen. We must vote people out and pay attention to local elections. I’m a huge supporter of Fair Fight. If you’re tired of donating or making calls, just take a breath and keep going—we have no choice. This is for our kids and for all children, not just our own.”
How do you raise informed kids without instilling fear?
“That’s a great question. My daughter is four and a half; during the protests in New York City after George Floyd’s murder, I explained things delicately to her. I took her along, and when she asked about the signs, we discussed their meanings in simple terms. It’s crucial to talk about racism and sexism from an early age—she’ll be in a diverse environment at school, and it’s important she understands her privilege and how to fight against injustice.”
Do you have specific language you use with her?
“I converse with her like a normal person. I avoid punitive measures; I let her express her emotions and ensure she knows her feelings are valid. I don’t tell her to stop crying or feeling a certain way. For instance, when she remarked about my appearance, I responded humorously, respecting her observations while keeping things fun.”
And speaking of important topics, let’s also highlight your upcoming show.
“It’s based on a celebrated graphic novel, ‘Z: The Last Man,’ which explores a world where a pandemic causes all Y chromosome mammals to perish, leaving just one man. It dives into the complexities of relationships among women in this new reality.”
This article was originally published on September 8, 2021.