With everything going on in the world right now, what we really need is a good laugh. Enjoying comedy should be a method of escape for everyone, but stand-up has historically been a very straight male realm — chauvinistic, homophobic, and transphobic jokes run rampant on stages around the country.
How can queer people get their comedy fix without being verbally attacked from the spotlight? Here are my favorite queer comedians to sit back, watch, and have a well-deserved chuckle!
Fortune Feimster
If light-hearted, belly laugh-inducing self-depreciation in a charming southern accent sounds like your thing, Fortune Feimster is the comedian for you. After getting her start as a panelist and comedy writer for E’s show “Chelsea Lately”, she became a regular cast member on Mindy Kaling’s “The Mindy Project” and quickly rose to fame with her hilarious lilting comedy stylings. Having not come out as a lesbian until her late 20s, Fortune’s jokey self-psychoanalysis proves relatable to many queer audiences. She boasts two highly acclaimed Netflix specials called “Sweet & Salty” and “Good Fortune”. She collaborates on a weekly podcast called “Handsome” with fellow comedians Tig Notaro and Mae Martin, but if you’re seeking a more sincere, insightful glimpse into her humor and opinions, I recommend her “Sincerely Fortune” podcast.
Sarah Schauer
Once boasting the second most subscribers on the Vine app, Sarah Schauer has always been a favorite of mine. Self-described as a “former Viner, current copywriter, amateur Youtuber, divorce enthusiast, and extremely online person”, they create some of the funniest content on the internet. From their Youtube series “Pee Pee Poo Poo Time” with former roommate and “Violating Community Guidelines” co-host Brittany Broski to “Block Party”, a neurodivergent friendly Lego-themed talk show, Sarah fosters a welcoming and hilarious online environment where queer and neurodivergent audiences can relax and have a laugh. They co-host a podcast called “The BCC Club” with fellow lesbian content creator Kendahl Landreth, which releases new episodes weekly. Sarah shows how queer comedians extend past the stage to the internet.
Kendahl Landreth
Known for her hilarious and accurate impersonations and characters on TikTok, Kendahl Landreth has risen to the internet comedy halls of fame since her beginnings in 2020. She’s most famous for her impressions of her middle-aged midwestern mother. She co-hosts “The BCC Club” podcast with Sarah Schauer, where they do a deep-dive into an internet phenomenon each week. Each episode culminates in a “special guest” appearance, which is one of the two hosts in costume playing a character.
Wanda Sykes
No list of queer comedians would be complete without an appearance from comedy legend Wanda Sykes. She was first recognized as a writer on “The Chris Rock Show”, but her talents extend far beyond the writing desk. She has graced both television screens and silver screens with her exceptional acting prowess, the most famous being “Evan Almighty” (2007). You can watch her 2019 comedy special, “Wanda Sykes: Not Normal,” as well as her newest, “Wanda Sykes: I’m an Entertainer,” on Netflix, both of which are masterclasses in humor and social commentary.
Bowen Yang
Bowen Yang is most prominent for his tenure on Saturday Night Live. Here, he started as a writer and worked his way up to the position of a regular cast member. He is SNL’s first Chinese-American and Australian-American cast member, and their fourth openly gay one. Yang is making history one laugh at a time. He co-hosts a podcast called “Las Culturistas” with fellow gay comic Matt Rogers. Yang is a champion of LGBTQ+ and POC visibility in the entertainment industry.
In the ever-evolving world of comedy, these talented queer comedians represent a spectrum of voices and experiences that challenge norms and inspire laughter. As you embark on your journey of discovering LGBTQ+ comedic brilliance, remember that humor knows no boundaries. Whether it’s the lilting wit of Fortune Feimster, the irreverent humor of Sarah Schauer, or the groundbreaking representation of Bowen Yang, these comedians remind us that comedy can be a powerful tool for both societal change and self-expression. So, sit back, queue up their specials, TikToks, or podcasts, and get ready to be entertained and uplifted by this incredible roster of queer comedians. These are my personal favorites, so go explore and discover your own! Find new and up-and-coming queer comics and personalities to be amused by! Have fun!