We bet, with everything that's going on in the world, we can all agree on the fact that we all could use a laugh these days. So, who better bring a bit of joy back to our lives than these amazing lesbian comedians?
The stand-up comedy industry has traditionally been largely dominated by straight, white males, but fortunately, it has been changing over the past few years. Queer comedians, including incredibly hilarious lesbian comedians, are now shifting the comedic landscape. These lesbian comedians have unapologetic stand-up sets, which make them some of the funniest people on the comedy scene.
If you're like us, you probably need to relax, enjoy your evening and have some fun - look no further than these 20 incredible lesbian comedians to make you laugh! There is so much to discover with these stand-up comics. Hopefully, this list will inspire you to watch more lesbian comedians stand up and become a fan of these incredible lesbians.
Ellen DeGeneres
We have to start our lesbian comedian list with Ellen DeGeneres. Taimi has a special relationship with the queen of queer stand-up comedy. Recently our app donated $25,000 to The Trevor Project, which focuses on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth, live on Ellen's daytime show. In fact, the openly gay comedian is one of the most visible LGBTQ+ people on network television in the United States.
DeGeneres started stand-up career in the early '80s when she was inspired by the likes of Steve Martin and Woody Allen. In the '90s, Ellen had a successful own TV show which ultimately got cancelled due to the backlash after DeGeneres publicly came out on the Oprah Winfrey Show. This hit Ellen hard, but it did not stop her from pursuing her career further. Contrary to popular belief, DeGeneres did not appear on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s. Her first appearance was in 2000. She hosted Saturday Night Live in 2001.
She is an avid advocate for LGBTQ+ people and gay marriage. Throughout her career, she broke many boundaries for many other lesbian comedians that followed in her footsteps. Ellen's daytime TV show, now in its final 19th season, is one of the longest-running daytime variety comedy shows hosted by an openly gay TV presenter in American history.
Hannah Gadsby
If you haven't been living under a rock, you've probably heard the name Hannah Gadsby among the great lesbian comedians. This Australian comedian is truly a powerful and witty queer stand-up comedian that has been working in the comedy circuit for over a decade.
Gadsby is best-known for her incredible hit Netflix comedy stand-up special Nanette. In the raw and extremely funny special, Gadsby explores all the intricacies associated with being a lesbian comedian and whether her self-deprecating humor is harmful to a person in a marginalized community.
This stand-up comic is unafraid to discuss sexuality and gender identity in her comedy openly. Gadsby also serves up a healthy dose of criticism of powerful white males getting away with misogyny during her stand-up. She is also the mastermind behind another Netflix special called Douglas. Her comedy specials not only make people laugh but also think deeper and pay closer attention to the issues LGBTQ+ face. No wonder why this incredible stand-up comedian has so many awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Writing.
Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes is a comedy veteran. Sykes started her career as a writer for The Chris Rock Show. Sykes moved to NYC in the 1990s, where she got the big break opening for Chris Rock.
She is a successful stand-up comedian, actress, and activist. She also regularly performs as a voice actress - think Rio, Over The Hedge, Ice Age - yup Wanda Sykes was in all of them!
Wanda Sykes came out in 2008. She is a proud black woman, an advocate for equality, a mother, a spouse, and a comedy icon. Wanda frequently comments on sexuality, racism, and political issues in the world.
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch may be a household name in Hollywood, but not everyone knows that she started her career as a cast member of The Second City in Chicago. Lynch is no stranger to the silver screen, having starred in many comedy films and TV comedy series. She is one of the stars of the big show Glee! where Lynch plays a lesbian coach of the cheerleading squad at William McKinley High School.
Lynch's extensive resume of television and film roles includes shows like Two and a Half Men, Criminal Minds, the L Word, iCarly, and so many more. She is not only a lesbian stand-up comedian but also an actress, singer, and author.
Margaret Cho
We know, we know, Margaret Cho is openly bisexual but not including this Asian American stand-up comedy superstar would be a crime! Cho is open about sexuality, love, sex, and so much more in her hilarious stand-up specials and skits.
She gained major notoriety with her sitcom All American Girl. Did you know that Margaret started her stand-up career at a comedy club next to her parents' shop? Now you do! Margaret's comedy talks about her experiences as an Asian American bisexual woman. She does not hold back when it comes to political commentary and LGBTQ+ rights.