Gay & Lesbian Comedy Slam

Gay & Lesbian Comedy Slam is a vibrant and lively comedy special that brings together a delightful ensemble of well-known comedy talents who are also deeply rooted and representative of the LGBTQ+ community. This powerful and bold performance was filmed in 2010, presenting the audience with a unique blend of candid comic storytelling and expert rib-tickling humor.

The leading torchbearer of the show is none other than Bruce Vilanch, an Emmy Award-winning writer known for his quick-witted humor and hysterical storytelling. He gained his fame by writing for comic greats such as Lily Tomlin, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as for The Academy Awards, and is known for his extensive work in the theater world. With a vivacious and flamboyant on-stage appearance complete with his trademark colorful t-shirts and fingerless gloves, Vilanch never shies away from speaking his mind, always ready to crack a hilarious joke, making him a true trailblazer of gay comedy.

Sandra Valls, another credible name in the stand-up comedy circuit, is known for her courageous and audacious comic style. A Latina and a lesbian, Valls is an empowering and inspiriting representation of diversity in the world of comedy. She brings to the stage an irreverent, bold, and raw humor rooted in her experiences of being a Mexican American woman, bringing the audience to both laughter and thought. Her fiery act delivers a punch for ethnicity and gender equality while maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere.

The Gay & Lesbian Comedy Slam was designed to provide an inclusive platform for the talented artists of the LGBTQ+ community, radiating positivity, acceptance, and breaking the stereotypes associated with the community. It was directed by Andrea Meyerson, an award-winning creator of Stand OUT Productions, known for producing entertaining educational content that shares stories of the LGBTQ+ community. The show champions acceptance, diversity, and hilariousness, serving as a celebration of LGBTQ+ voices in comedy.

The comedy special also features comedians like Alec Mapa, who is recognized for his stand-up routines that openly discuss his life as a gay Asian-American father, and Scott Kennedy, a comic who brings a grain of humor to intensely personal stories about serving openly gay in the military. Their contributions, mixed with their individual experiences and unique perspectives, make the comedy special a gathering of some of the sharpest minds in the world of LGBTQ+ comedy.

The content of Gay & Lesbian Comedy Slam revolves around the personal life experiences of each comedian, their individual journeys, the challenges they faced, their relationships, their lives as out and proud members of LGBTQ+ community, and everyday humor. The jokes are smart, sharp, and hysterical, and each narration involves a level of poignant reflection. The stand-up performances are filled with instances that not only leave the audience doubled over with laughter but also create moments of empathy.

Despite dealing with a subject matter that is often stigmatized and fraught with stereotypes, the comedy special does not shy away from being boldly humorous and overtly witty. It breaks down barriers in a funny and profoundly human way. At its core, the Gay & Lesbian Comedy Slam is a unique comedy special that lets its griot's voices shine loud and proud, resonating with their specific interconnected audiences while keeping the universal appeal of comedic storytelling.

A pivotal aspect of the special is its ability to cater to a wide scope of audiences. While it primarily resonates with members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community, their insight, wit, and humor are universally entertaining, promising belly laughs for anyone with an appetite for comedy.

Gay & Lesbian Comedy Slam is more than just a comedy special — it is a hilarious celebration of diversity, an expression of inclusivity, and a powerful homage to the incredibly talented artists of the LGBTQ+ community.