NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO QUEER COMEDY FESTIVAL
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At a time when the political and cultural climate is dangerous for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people across the United States, Out Boulder County, Junkyard Social Club and eighteen of the funniest LGBTQ+ people in the world are inviting Coloradoans to come laugh together at the first ever Colorado Queer Comedy Festival on Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Junkyard Social Club (2525 Frontier Ave. Suite A, Boulder, Co 80301). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
“Laughter saves lives and makes life worth living. Comedy has always been political and is an act of resistance, but we are sponsoring the first ever Colorado Queer Comedy Festival because members of our community deserve to laugh together,” said Mardi Moore, Executive Director of Out Boulder County. “This event is about building community, promoting resilience, and above everything else–having fun.”
LGBTQ+ communities have always relied on humor to survive in times that are often hostile, and at times deadly, for members of the community. This event will feature eighteen queer and trans comedians from across Colorado with a few from across the country. More than 50 comics submitted applications to perform at the festival. The performers were selected by a panel of judges who represent the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Queer comedy is direct action,” said Ren Dawe, stand up comic and lead organizer of the festival. “Being out and proud–on a microphone, nonetheless–is a direct act of a resistance to attitudes and policies that try to prohibit or extinguish queer and trans existence. This work is important, it’s necessary, and it just so happens to bring joy and education to our community. Queer comedy is its own kind of activism.”
The Junkyard Social Club, known for its quirky community space and commitment to social causes, will set the stage for two evenings of non-stop laughter and education.
Junkyard Social Club is thrilled to partner with Out Boulder to create a platform for LGTBQ+ comics to share their stories with the community. “We strive to be a safe space for all to connect and take healthy risks,” said Jill Katzenberger, Executive Director of Junkyard Social Club. “Getting up on stage and bearing your soul through comedy has got to be one of the most next-level, ‘healthy risks’ a person could take.”
The Colorado Queer Comedy Festival is the most diverse comedy festival in Colorado’s history and is the first of its kind in Colorado. Every comic is queer or trans and they represent the full spectrum of diversity in the LGBTQ+ community with different racial and ethnic backgrounds, social class statuses, and religious backgrounds included. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of stand-up, sketches, and improv, all united by an undercurrent of education and the pure, unadulterated love of comedy.
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