5 lesbian comedians for a ‘gay, old time’
We could all do with a bit of a laugh these days, and who better to tickle your funny bone than some of the most hilarious lesbian comedians working today.
Many lesbian and queer female comedians are crushing it on the stand-up stage, in movies and TV, podcasts, or Netflix comedy specials. There are so many of them, in fact, that it was a challenge to narrow it down to five names!
That said, we are excluding more familiar names- like industry legends Lily Tomlin and Rosie O’Donnell, comedy icons Wanda Sykes and Margaret Cho, and everyone’s gay crush Kate McKinnon- from our list, in favor of others who are not as well-known.
Hannah Gadsby
For fans of social commentary and criticism, Hannah Gadsby is the pick for you. She is an Australian comedian who uses her shows to explore her experiences as a gay autistic woman.
Gadsby is best known for her stand-up specials and for her ability to make you both laugh and cry: “I don’t identify as transgender. But I’m clearly gender not-normal. I don’t think even lesbian is the right identity for me. I really don’t. I might as well come out now. I identify as tired. I’m just tired.”
Her most well-known special is titled Nanette, which tackles LGBTQ+ and women’s issues.
She has an accolade of awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Writing, and she recently released a memoir titled Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation.
Where to enjoy: Watch Douglas and Nanette on Netflix.
Mae Martin
Mae Martin is a comedian from Canada with hit Netflix shows, hilarious stand-up comedy, and an obsession with a particular Hollywood star: “If I had met Bette Midler, I wouldn’t be answering these questions right now because I’d have spontaneously combusted and gone to heaven.”
Martin personally identifies as non-binary and as a queer individual. Their 5-minute routine Dating Men has 2 million YouTube views and counting, and they also star in the Netflix Stand-up special Comedians of the World.
Their latest queer-oriented show is Feel Good, where they star alongside Lisa Kudrow. In 2021, the last and second season of the show launched on Netflix.
Where to enjoy: Catch them on Netflix, or read their book, Can Everyone Please Calm Down.
Lena Waithe
Lena Waithe is an American actor, comedian, producer, and writer. She has created the acclaimed Showtime series The Chi and is most well-known for her role in the Netflix series Master of None. She also created the lesbian comedy series Twenties.
In addition to being an actor and producer for a variety of television shows, Waithe was the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy series in 2017.
More recently, she’s signed a contract with Audible to help with finding new & diverse talent for the platform.
Where to enjoy: Along with The Chi, Waithe currently has one other comedy series airing called Boomerang.
Sarah Schauer
Sarah Schauer is an Internet personality most known for funny videos and TikTok collaborations with another creator, Brittany Broski.
Schauer is bisexual and identifies with she/they pronouns. They are known for their wry sense of humor.
Where to enjoy: They co-host the comedy podcast, Violating Community Guidelines. They frequently tweet and also have a thriving YouTube Channel.
Jessica Kirson
Jessica Kirson has been going viral on TikTok as of late for her hilarious stand-up sets and crowd work.
She is known onstage for her intensity, raw joke-telling abilities, and overall dry humor.
Where to enjoy: Kirson is easiest found on popular social media platforms.