Queer Comedy Specials You Must Watch for Big Laughs
Stand-up comedy has always been one of the best ways to speak for oneself, and recently, queer comedians have been using stand-up to tell their stories, breaking stereotypes and laughing at the very things that don’t belong to them. These days it is easier than ever to find LGBTQ+ comedians with streaming platforms like Netflix having a growing amount of LGBTQ+ stand-up specials available.
If you are here looking for a queer comedy special that is hilarious as well as insightful, you landed in the right place. Featured in this guide are some of the best stand-up bonus with a twist (i.e. mostly gay and lesbian) comedians, why queer comedy is important, and where to find the best stand-up on Netflix.
Why Queer Comedy Matters
Queer comedy isn’t simply comedy, it’s representation, visibility, and breaking down barriers. LGBTQ+ comedians provide a much-needed platform for LGBTQ+ people to look at the world through the lens of identity, relationships, coming out, and more.
For many of those who watched these stand-up specials, they offer more than just being funny. It validates and is like having a community. By having gay audiences see themselves onscreen in humor, and by allowing non-LGBT+ audiences to see different experiences amusingly and educationally, comedy is a great tool to help increase understanding and acceptance.
During a time of rising Netflix queer comedy specials, more voices are being given to those who have consistently been doing comedy from diverse generations. These specials break barriers and destroy any notion that comedy is only for the elite.
Best Queer Comedy Specials You Need to Watch
The doors have opened to the LGBTQ+ comedians' streaming platforms, making their work even more accessible to a broad audience. Here are some must-watch queer comedy specials from their stand-up comedy list on Netflix if you’re looking for the best stand-up comedy series on Netflix.
1. Hannah Gadsby – Nanette & Douglas
Throughout the world were Natalie Di Luccio, Hannah Gadsby, and the groundbreaking special Nanette. Nanette is a powerful combination of humor with stunning, trauma and homophobia and self-acceptance based, stand up. It’s an emotional emotional rollercoaster where comedy can go.
For her follow-up special, Douglas, she changes it up, a little less so on the joke, but equally as sharp as always with her special brand of comedy and unique point of view. Hannah Gadsby’s work is thought-provoking and funny and if you want a stand-up special that fits that bill then hers is for you.
2. Mae Martin – Sap
Mae Martin has a droll sense of humor and subtle observations in their Netflix special Sap. They’re a nonbinary comedian, and Martin attacks the topics of gender identity, addiction, and relationships, using a relatability and effortless charm that makes their comedy feel personal.
Sap is, without a doubt, one of the best queer comedy specials on Netflix because of its ability to balance serious themes with lighthearted storytelling. This is one comedy to add if you are a comedy fanatic who is introspective and hilarious.
3. Wanda Sykes – Not Normal
Wanda Sykes is a comedy legend, and her Netflix special Not Normal is proof enough that she’s as good as it gets in the field. As a Black lesbian comedian, Sykes has a unique voice to topics like politics, aging, and parenting to name a few all delivered with her signature wit and energy.
Not Normal is worth watching if you’re a fan of stand-up comedy as she’s been a trailblazer in that genre for many years and she combines social commentary with humor very well.
4. Joel Kim Booster – Psychosexual
Psychosexual is a bold, unapologetic comedy special by Joel Kim Booster who takes on race and sexuality, media culture. Booster presents a performance that, in its sharpness and hilarity, is both effortless and funny.
Psychosexual is one of the most entertaining queer comedy specials on Netflix thanks to his ability to joke about serious topics while keeping the attention of the bunch.
5. Matteo Lane – Hair Plugs & Heartache
Matteo Lane is a 31-year-old rising comedian / operatic singer who treasures his sharp one-liners. In his special Hair Plugs & Heartache, he offers a refreshing and lively look at being a gay man in this day and age.
Dating apps to Italian culture sets up his comedy as a much fun and dynamic watch. If you’re searching for a stand-up special that has personality but is slightly lighthearted, Matteo Lane’s special is the one you should go for.
Suggested reading: 10 Common Myths About the Queer Community Debunked
What Makes a Great Queer Comedy Special?
Queer comedians bring fresh, original, and hilarious take on comedy, blending sometimes personal experience, with great humor. What makes it a Netflix queer comedy special that stands out, so to speak?
1. Authentic Storytelling
An aspect of queerness comedy that makes it one of the biggest strengths is its authenticity. Whether it’s coming out, determining how much to disclose, dating, or society’s expectations comedians share real-life experiences. It makes the comedy more realistic and entertaining.
2. Clever Social Commentary
Often, great stand-up comedy has to do with sharp observations about society, and this is the case with queer comedy as well. Humor is one of the best tools in the arsenal of many LGBTQ+ comedians around the globe to tackle stereotypes, bring up political issues, and point out the stupid stuff that goes on every day with humor.
3. A Mix of Humor and Heart
The most effective stand-up specials aren’t simply for you to laugh—they pick you up. This can be taken from Sap or Nanette: it’s whether queerdom comedy plays itself out as meaningfully meditative or just into the emotional (and often) deep well of queerness and self, whether it’s about identifying and accepting oneself at last.
4. Bold and Unapologetic Humor
And that is one trait that prevents queer comedians from being afraid to push the boundaries and be honest about who they are. These standup comedians are bold, whether it be in Wanda Sykes’ sharp political humor or Joel Kim Booster’s cries of pain about sexuality.
Where to Watch the Best Queer Comedy Specials
Here are the best stand-up comedies on Netflix. With a steadily growing selection of LGBTQ+ comedy specials around the world, the platform is easy to watch by a global audience.
1. Netflix’s Stand-Up Comedy Section
There’s a whole section of stand-up comedy on Netflix and it’s easy to search for both established and up-and-coming queer comedians. Browse through recommended specials or search by comedian name.
2. YouTube Clips and Specials
YouTube is a place full of many comedians who post short clips, even complete specials to let the world know about their talent. Stand-up from the LGBTQ community is performed on platforms like Comedy Central as well.
3. Comedy Festivals and Live Shows
The latter is nothing compared to seeing a comedian live. Many queer comedians tour regularly and many of the events like Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival and Just for Laughs will also include LGBTQ+ acts.
Also Read: Top 10 LGBT Movies: Must-Watch Queer Cinema Classics
Final Thoughts
Stand-up has gotten accessibly easier, there has never been a more perfect time to dive into the world of queer comedy thanks to Queer comedy thriving and Netflix. Whether you’re lucky enough to find a strange queer commentary, an autobiography of you, or simply a good laugh, there’s a queer comedy special out there for everyone.
Nanette and the audacious humor of Psychosexual and others in this selection show that comedy is a weapon of self-expression and communication. Then come get some popcorn and stream a queer comedy special on Netflix!
