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The phrase “We laugh to keep from crying” exists for a reason. Comedy has a special ability to uncover the complex and often tangled language of life through humor. It’s no wonder that many of the greatest standup comedians have faced significant personal struggles—and what better way to embrace vulnerability than by sharing those experiences with pride, especially during Pride Month.
For numerous LGBTQ comedians, the stage has become a platform to openly discuss their challenges and express their identities boldly. These performers are making an impact in the industry while staying authentic to who they are. In celebration of Pride, here are 15 comedy specials and performances to enjoy this month—or anytime you need a good laugh and a dose of inspiration. (Feel free to share your favorites in the comments—we’re always looking for more reasons to laugh.)
Not Normal by Wanda Sykes
In this Netflix special, Wanda Sykes shares her candid thoughts on the Trump administration and pokes fun at the extreme tactics reality shows use to attract viewers. She also delves into her personal life, discussing her experiences as a lesbian married to a French woman and the humorous dynamics of their family. Wanda highlights the cultural differences between her Black heritage and her wife and child’s white background, offering a fresh and rarely seen perspective in her comedy.
Where to stream: Netflix
Psycho by Margaret Cho
In her 2015 standup special Psycho, Margaret Cho showcases her comedic brilliance (with a playful nod to her name). She kicks off by humorously addressing the Asian members of the audience and referencing her unexpected mention in Christopher Dorner’s manifesto, quipping that none of the other Asian actresses she envies made the list. Cho shares her passion for entertainment and her nerdy inclinations, confessing her admiration for Zachary Quinto as the “most stunning lesbian Spock.” She also delves into the darkly humorous aspects of addiction and her journey through dependency on prescription medication. As a bisexual woman, Cho seamlessly weaves her identity into her humor, unapologetically and with ease.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Nannette by Hannah Gadsby
Hannah Gadsby’s 2018 special Nannette is anything but conventional comedy—it’s a thought-provoking experience that will leave you stunned (it shook the foundations of standup culture). Gadsby explores the challenges of performing as a woman, particularly as a queer woman, and delves into the self-loathing imposed by societal norms. She reflects on being branded a man-hater and the pervasive influence of male dominance. Gadsby also discusses her identity, emphasizing that being labeled a lesbian doesn’t fully capture who she is, and describes herself as “gender not-normal.” Through Nannette, she addresses the trauma of growing up and living as her authentic self, blending profound insights with moments of humor.
Where to stream: Netflix
3 In The Morning by Sam Jay
Sam Jay makes a bold entrance with her debut televised solo comedy special, 3 In The Morning. She humorously tackles the stereotypes surrounding non-femme lesbians and the societal expectations placed on them, especially in her relationship with her femme partner. Jay hilariously critiques the absence of chivalry and the challenges of navigating travel dynamics. With unfiltered honesty, she pokes fun at the queer community and her girlfriend, delivering sharp yet affectionate jokes. Her impeccable timing and confident delivery reassure the audience that her humor comes from a place of love, making it safe to laugh along.
Where to stream: Netflix
Happy to Be Here by Tig Notaro
In her latest special, Happy to Be Here, Tig Notaro showcases her signature dry wit and effortless comedic style. She recounts amusing tales of being misgendered and her nonchalant reactions to being called “sir,” highlighting how gender norms often embarrass everyone except her. Notaro also shares heartwarming anecdotes about her wife, their quirky cat Fluff, and her child’s first words being, “I’m gay!” This wholesome and relatable set offers a refreshing take on family life, challenging the absurdity of heteronormativity with humor and grace.
Where to stream: Netflix
Sweet and Salty by Fortune Feimster
Fortune Feimster’s charm is undeniable in her special Sweet and Salty. With her warm presence and sharp observational humor, she reflects on her mother’s attempts to feminize her, from forcing her into Little House on the Prairie dresses to dismissing her discomfort as “a phase.” Feimster’s authenticity shines through as she jokes about her girl scout days, where she relished spending time with other girls and fending off boys to enjoy their company. Her comedy is a celebration of staying true to oneself, delivered with wit and relatability.
Where to stream: Netflix
Comedy Central Stand Up Presents Joel Kim Booster (season one, episode 11)
Joel Kim Booster wastes no time declaring his pride as a gay man. His opening joke highlights his family’s unease about him spending time with his newborn nibling—a gender-neutral term for a sibling’s child—hinting that his sexuality was a concern. He humorously compares the baby to his exes, delivering a sharp punchline. Booster delves into his upbringing as a South Korean adoptee in a white, religious household, sharing how he realized he was gay before recognizing his Asian identity. His set is a blend of quick wit and personal anecdotes, exploring the challenges and humor of growing up queer and Asian in a predominantly white, religious environment.
Where to stream: Paramount+
They Ready featuring Flame Monroe
Flame Monroe shines in her episode of Tiffany Haddish’s They Ready. As a transgender comedian, Monroe fearlessly tackles topics like invasive airport security checks, being outed by children in public, and her playful interactions with men she can “fool.” Her comedy confronts uncomfortable realities head-on, but her delivery ensures the audience feels safe laughing along with her.
Where to stream: Netflix
Set Free by Simon Amstell
Simon Amstell, a British comedian, embraces his awkwardness and infuses his humor with quintessential English charm. He humorously critiques weddings as self-centered events where couples compel others to celebrate their love. With a mix of stoicism and excitement, he shares anecdotes about his boyfriend and their trip to Paris. Amstell, who concealed his identity as a gay man during his youth, now effortlessly incorporates his experiences into his standup, creating a poignant and relatable performance.
Where to stream: Netflix
Comedy Central Stand Up Presents Jaboukie Young-White (season three, episode one)
Jaboukie Young-White bursts onto the stage with electrifying energy in his episode of Comedy Central Stand-up Presents. He kicks off by humorously adopting a frat bro persona to deliver a mock Ted Talk on feminism for men, then transitions into his authentic self, cracking jokes about yoga and flirting with attractive Uber drivers. As a young comedian, Jaboukie brings a vibrant and infectious presence to his performance.
Where to stream: Paramount+
The Comedy Line Up featuring Tim Dillon (part one, episode eight)
Tim Dillon delivers a powerhouse fifteen-minute set on The Comedy Lineup, showcasing his larger-than-life personality. He humorously boasts about his Long Island roots and the “unique breed of monsters” it produces, acknowledging that while reality TV stereotypes aren’t entirely accurate, they’re not entirely wrong either. As a gay comic, Dillon offers hilariously bad advice to “runaway gays” and delves into the darker, more challenging aspects of queer life with sharp, biting humor. His jokes about hiding his identity to please his parents are both cringe-worthy and laugh-inducing, cementing his unapologetic and bold comedic style.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Comedy Lineup featuring Sabrina Jalees (part one, episode six)
Sabrina Jalees brings her 15-minute set on The Comedy Lineup to life by sharing the most vulnerable and humorous moments of her journey. She starts by proudly announcing her wife’s recent childbirth, celebrating their beautiful baby boy. Jalees then humorously addresses the curious stares from strangers wondering how two women had a child, turning these moments into magical comedic gold. Her jokes resonate deeply as she opens up about her experiences as a lesbian, Muslim Pakistani woman. She fearlessly tackles the challenges women face in a world that often dismisses them, proving herself as a powerhouse on stage.
Where to stream: Netflix
Laughing to America by Gina Yashere
Gina Yashere, a British comedian, hilariously unpacks her experiences growing up as a person of African descent in London. Her bold personality and direct delivery elicit hearty laughs, often leaving the audience questioning, Should I really be laughing at this? She jokes about the London riots and the infamous stereotype about Africans and Black people struggling with water. If you enjoy her humor, check out her Corona Diaries—a series of funny Instagram videos she created while quarantining in L.A. with her girlfriend, Nina Rose Fischer.
Where to stream: Prime Video
The Comedy Line Up featuring Matteo Lane (part two, episode two)
Matteo Lane kicks off his set with undeniable flair, proudly embracing his identity by hitting high notes in song—a true Pride moment. He opens with, “If you didn’t know I’m gay,” then playfully asks the audience if anyone else shares his identity and even cheekily requests a date. His performance is a whirlwind of humor, packed with rapid-fire jokes. Lane cleverly mocks his own voice and the stereotypes people project onto him, even turning a hurtful slur shouted at him in Columbus, Ohio, into a punchline. He also entertains with exaggerated tales, including a hilarious pitch for a Grindr-inspired app called “Fruit by the Foot.”
Where to stream: Netflix
Comedians of the World, featuring Mae Martin
Mae Martin, known for their role in the Netflix series Feel Good, delivers a rapid-fire performance in their Comedians of the World feature. They dive into their addictive personality and passion for comedy, weaving through topics with lightning speed. Reflecting on their mother’s concerns about their quirks, Martin shares childhood memories of idolizing Bette Midler and their dream of managing her stage performances. These eccentric insights into their life as a queer individual and recovering addict offer a deeply personal and introspective look, all while keeping the audience laughing.
Where to stream: Netflix
