LGBTQ+ Friendly Comedy Shows and Performers to Watch in 2026

Queer comedy isn’t just funny—it’s fearless. From punchlines that challenge prejudice to stories that spark connection, LGBTQ+ comedians are shaking up the scene with wit, wisdom, and wild originality. Whether you’re craving camp, catharsis, or chaotic brilliance, these performers bring it all. Ready to laugh, learn, and live out loud?

Why LGBTQ+ Comedy Matters

Comedy has always been more than just a laugh—it’s a mirror, a megaphone, and sometimes, a middle finger. For LGBTQ+ performers, it’s also a lifeline. Humor becomes a survival instinct, a way to defuse fear, reclaim slurs, and turn pain into punchlines. It’s resilience with a wink.

For decades, queer comics have used their voices not just to entertain but to educate—often slyly. Their jokes dismantle stereotypes, flip the script on gender norms, and poke fun at the absurdity of prejudice. With a single set, they can turn a slur into a shared laugh, or an awkward silence into thunderous applause. That’s power. That’s protest—with glitter.

Representation in comedy isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must. Seeing someone like you on stage—openly gay, trans, nonbinary, or anything else the rainbow holds—can be downright healing. You don’t just laugh. You breathe easier. You feel seen.

And now, LGBTQ+ comedians aren’t just reshaping punchlines. They’re reshaping the entire industry. From sold-out specials to starring roles in mainstream shows, they’re proving that queer stories sell—and soar. The mic is no longer borrowed. It’s theirs. And it’s never been louder.

Stand-Up Comedians Who Are Loud, Proud, and Hilarious

Some comics whisper their truths. These five shout them—loud, proud, and with perfect comedic timing. Their material isn’t just funny; it’s fearless. They roast expectations, unravel identity clichés, and make space for joy in places where it was long denied. Here are five LGBTQ+ stand-up stars you absolutely need on your radar:

• Joel Kim Booster – He’s as sharp as he is stylish. With stand-up that’s sizzling and smart, Joel balances biting social commentary with shirtless thirst traps. Known for Fire Island and his special Psychosexual, he skewers race, sexuality, and Grindr culture with laser wit and a smirk that says, “I know I’m hot. You do too.”
• Mae Martin – Vulnerable but never fragile, Mae turns personal messes into comedy gold. Their work is a hug wrapped in hilarity. As the creator and star of Feel Good, they explore addiction, gender identity, and love—all with deadpan charm and a disarming honesty that sneaks up and stays with you.
• Sam Jay – Imagine a best friend who swears like a sailor, drops jaw-dropping truths, and makes you laugh so hard you spill your drink. That’s Sam. From her groundbreaking stand-up special 3 in the Morning to hosting HBO’s PAUSE with Sam Jay, she brings barbershop energy to every stage—raw, hilarious, and unapologetically queer.
• Flame Monroe – A veteran who refuses to be boxed in, Flame Monroe is the definition of commanding. Her comedy doesn’t tiptoe—it stomps, struts, and slaps. A proud Black trans woman featured on Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready, she brings truth-telling, taboo-tackling stand-up that’s as fearless as it is funny.
• Jaboukie Young-White – Chaos in skinny jeans. That’s Jaboukie. With a Gen-Z sensibility and a Twitter presence that flips between hilarious and surreal, he brings a fresh, frenetic vibe to the mic. Known for his bits on The Daily Show and stand-up that swings from absurd to introspective, he’s the meme king with a mic.

Must-Watch LGBTQ+ Comedy Specials

Not all stand-up specials are created equal. Some make you laugh, some make you cry, and some do both in the same breath—while questioning capitalism and smashing gender norms. These LGBTQ+ specials aren’t just must-sees; they’re must-feel. From absurdist antics to gut-punch honesty, here’s your streaming starter pack:

• Hannah Gadsby – Nanette & Douglas (Netflix)
  With Nanette, Gadsby shattered comedy’s fourth wall—and expectations—with a raw, rage-filled takedown of trauma, art history, and what it means to be “funny.” Douglas leans more playful but still packs punches. Her deadpan delivery hides razor-sharp analysis. You’ll laugh, squirm, and rethink everything you thought comedy could be.
• Robin Tran – Don’t Look at Me (YouTube)
  Dark, awkward, and wildly relatable, Robin Tran’s special feels like a brutally honest journal entry read aloud at a roast. Covering life as a trans Asian-American woman with biting self-deprecation and absurd asides, this one’s a low-budget gem that delivers high-impact truth bombs—and cackles.
• Cameron Esposito – Rape Jokes (cameronesposito.com / YouTube)
  Bold doesn’t begin to cover it. Esposito’s special takes on sexual violence with clarity, catharsis, and—somehow—comedy. It’s edgy, unflinching, and surprisingly healing. By reframing trauma through her queer lens, she creates a space where empathy and laughter coexist. It’s more than a set—it’s a cultural shift.
• Tig Notaro – Happy To Be Here / Drawn (Netflix)
  Tig’s the queen of the slow burn. Happy To Be Here is a masterclass in understatement—absurd stories, impeccable timing, and a smile that sneaks up on you. Drawn, her fully animated special, is an experimental delight. Same dry delivery, new visual playground. Both are perfect for fans of the gently bizarre.
• Matt Rogers – Have You Heard of Christmas? (Showtime / Paramount+)
  Camp, chaos, and carols collide in this absurdist holiday musical-comedy special. Matt Rogers plays a pop diva wannabe staging a Christmas takeover, complete with glittery thirst, original songs, and celebrity cameos. It’s one part Elf, one part SNL, and 100% gay joy. Eggnog optional—but highly recommended.

LGBTQ+ Sketch Comedy and Improv Legends

Stand-up may be the solo sport of comedy, but sketch and improv? That’s the queer playground where weirdness reigns and wigs are practically required. These legends didn’t just step into the spotlight—they rewrote the script, twisted the tropes, and made oddball brilliance look effortless. Let’s hear it for the dream team of sketch surrealists and improv innovators:

• The Kids in the Hall – Long before gender fluidity had hashtags, these Canadian cult icons were cross-dressing, identity-mashing, and lampooning masculinity on national TV. Their sketches swung between absurd and profound, often playing with gender in ways that felt radical, hilarious, and—frankly—ahead of their time. Still influencing comics today.
• Catherine Cohen – Imagine if a glam drag queen and a sad poet had a baby who discovered eyeliner and irony. That’s Catherine. Her cabaret-sketch mashups overflow with glittery confidence, chaotic musical numbers, and deadpan self-aware monologues. It’s high femme, high drama, and high key iconic. She turns self-obsession into performance art—then adds jazz hands.
• Bowen Yang – From SNL writer to on-screen powerhouse, Bowen doesn’t just steal scenes—he redefines them. Whether playing the Iceberg that sank the Titanic or a vengeful trade show rep, his characters are unhinged in the best way. He brings queer energy, razor wit, and glittering chaos to every sketch. America’s not ready, and that’s the point.
• Julio Torres – If Wes Anderson made stand-up, it’d look like Julio. In My Favorite Shapes (HBO), he monologues to crystal egg timers and silicone blobs like they’re old friends. In Los Espookys, he co-creates a Spanish-language horror-comedy that’s equal parts camp, goth, and gay as hell. His mind? A disco ball of genius.

Still with me? Let’s plug in and turn up the volume—next, we’re tuning into the LGBTQ+ podcasts that keep the laughs rolling between shows.

Podcasts Bringing Queer Joy and Jokes

Need a laugh while folding laundry, walking your dog, or doomscrolling at 2 AM? Queer comedy podcasts are the low-commitment, high-reward gems that turn daily life into a LOL-fest. They’re chaotic, comforting, and often completely unhinged—in the best way. Whether you’re craving pop culture deep dives, deranged improv, or just two besties talking trash, these shows deliver the goods with glitter and grit.

• Las Culturistas (Matt Rogers & Bowen Yang) – This podcast is a gay scream in audio form. Matt and Bowen dissect pop culture like it’s sacred scripture—fast, furious, and fabulously unfiltered. Their chemistry is off the charts, the references come at warp speed, and the guests range from Broadway divas to Hollywood icons. It’s like gossiping with your smartest, sassiest friends at brunch… if brunch lasted 90 minutes and came with homework.
• Gayest Episode Ever – This one’s for the media nerds and nostalgia lovers. Hosts Drew and Glen dig into LGBTQ+ moments in classic TV—think “that one weird gay episode” from sitcoms like Cheers, The Golden Girls, or Married with Children. It’s smart, funny, and surprisingly emotional. A love letter to the queer crumbs we grew up on—and how they shaped us.
• Seek Treatment (Catherine Cohen & Pat Regan) – Ever wondered what it’s like inside the brain of two terminally online, wildly funny, deeply chaotic New York gays? Wonder no more. Catherine and Pat talk dating disasters, therapy, fame fantasies, and the occasional existential spiral. It’s messy. It’s gay. It’s therapy-adjacent, but with better outfits and worse advice.
• A Woman’s Smile (Patti Harrison & Lorelei Ramirez) – Welcome to the weird side. This podcast feels like if performance art and a haunted doll factory had a baby. Patti and Lorelei speak in characters, abstractions, and…whatever else they feel like. It’s absurd, hauntingly funny, and occasionally unsettling. Don’t expect structure. Do expect to question reality.

Up-and-Coming LGBTQ+ Comics to Watch

The next wave of queer comics isn’t just knocking on the door—they’re kicking it open, rhinestone boots first. From viral sets at Netflix Is a Joke to cult-favorite bits at the Edinburgh Fringe and Just for Laughs, these rising stars are rewriting what queer comedy can sound, look, and feel like. They’re not here to blend in—they’re here to leave glitter in their wake.

• Patti Harrison – Patti’s comedy feels like being thrown into a bouncy castle full of landmines. Irreverent doesn’t begin to cover it. One moment she’s sweet and silly, the next she’s delivering a deadpan line that makes the entire audience gasp-laugh. You may recognize her from I Think You Should Leave or The Lost City, but her stand-up and podcast work? Unfiltered chaos with genius-level timing.
• Jes Tom – Jes doesn’t just push the envelope—they fold it into an origami crane, light it on fire, and deliver a killer punchline while it burns. A nonbinary Asian-American comic, Jes blends personal stories, gender politics, and surreal humor in a way that feels sharp yet deeply human. Their sets at queer comedy nights and indie fests have turned heads—and earned laughs from the loudest corners of the room.
• Daniel Webb – Southern twang meets razor wit. Daniel Webb is what happens when small-town sass collides with big-stage charisma. Fast-talking and ferociously funny, his stand-up explores everything from being gay in Texas to pop culture meltdowns—with a grin that makes you lean in and a punchline that knocks you back.

These performers may be “up-and-coming,” but don’t blink—they’ll be headlining before you can say “standing ovation.” Stick around, because next we’re diving into where to actually catch queer comedy live and online.

Where to Find LGBTQ+ Comedy

If you’re craving comedy that’s queer, loud, and a little bit unhinged (in the best way), the good news is—you don’t have to look far. LGBTQ+ comedy is thriving everywhere from dive bars to digital screens, and it’s more accessible than ever. Here’s where to find the magic, the mayhem, and the mic drops:

• Queer Comedy Nights – Local scenes are bursting with grassroots showcases that celebrate queer talent. Keep your eyes peeled for recurring gems like Dyke Vibes Only, Gays R Us, Stand Up Stand Out, and Chaotic Queer Energy. These shows often pop up in bars, black box theaters, and indie venues—and they’re packed with fresh voices, electric energy, and a whole lot of sequins.
• LGBTQ+ Comedy Clubs and Venues – Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are hotbeds for queer comedy hubs. In NYC, spots like The Duplex and Caveat regularly host LGBTQ+ performers. LA boasts venues like Dynasty Typewriter and The Elysian with queer-forward lineups. Chicago’s Second City and Annoyance Theatre are known for spotlighting LGBTQ+ improv and sketch talent. If you’re in a city with a comedy scene, chances are—there’s a rainbow somewhere on the calendar.
• YouTube Channels and Indie Specials – Can’t make it IRL? The internet is your front-row seat. Search for channels like Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring, Netflix Is a Joke, and creators like Robin Tran and Daniel Webb. Many comics also drop full sets or mini specials on their personal YouTube channels—unfiltered, low-budget, and totally bingeable. Look out for queer digital collectives like them. and OutTV as well.
• Streaming Services with Inclusive Catalogs – Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video all feature LGBTQ+ stand-up specials, variety shows, and sketch series. From Tig Notaro’s dry brilliance to Matt Rogers’ musical mayhem, these platforms offer a front-row seat to queer comedy without needing to change out of your sweatpants.

Wherever you are—big city or small town, couch or club—you’re never far from a laugh that hits home and hugs your identity. Next up? Let’s talk about how you can give back to the comics who keep your cheeks sore from smiling.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Performers

It’s one thing to laugh—it’s another to lift. If a queer comic made your week better, brighter, or belly-laughier, show them some love beyond the LOL. Comedy is a hustle, and LGBTQ+ performers often navigate an industry that wasn’t built for them. Your support? It’s not just nice—it’s necessary. Here’s how to put your money, time, and clicks where your heart is:

• Buy tickets to live shows – Nothing beats showing up in person. Whether it’s a sold-out theatre or a basement show with sticky floors, your presence helps keep queer spaces alive and thriving. Plus, laughter hits harder with a room full of fellow fans.
• Stream their specials and albums – Press play like it’s your job. Watch their Netflix specials, listen to their albums on Spotify, rent their indie sets on Vimeo. These numbers matter for visibility—and royalties. Every view helps them book the next gig.
• Follow and amplify on social media – Algorithms are the new gatekeepers. So hit that follow, share their jokes, tag them in your stories, and hype up their content. Social media isn’t just marketing—it’s momentum. Be the retweet that changes everything.
• Recommend their work to others – Word of mouth is still undefeated. Tell your friends, send links in the group chat, and casually name-drop your fave queer comic in conversations like, “Oh, you haven’t seen Psychosexual? You need to.” Bonus points if you drag someone with you to a live show.
• Respect their identities and boundaries – Support means listening, too. Use their correct pronouns, honor their lived experiences, and don’t reduce them to a punchline. They’re not here to “represent” every queer person—they’re here to be themselves. Let them.

Conclusion

Comedy, at its best, is a kind of magic—equal parts healing, political, and deeply, defiantly personal. And LGBTQ+ performers? They’re conjuring something extraordinary. With every punchline, they’re not just getting laughs—they’re claiming space, challenging the status quo, and inviting us into stories that were once sidelined.

These comics aren’t following old formulas. They’re rewriting them. Whether it’s a tear-down-the-house stand-up set, a genre-bending podcast, or a surreal sketch that leaves you both laughing and thinking—queer comedians are lighting up stages and screens with a voice that’s clear, bold, and completely their own.

So celebrate them. Cheer them on. Buy the ticket, stream the special, share the clip. Keep discovering, keep supporting, and keep laughing with the artists who are turning identity into artistry and joy into justice.

Because laughter really is a form of love—and honestly, who better to teach us that than these dazzling, daring, absolutely hilarious voices?