Jokes that Advocate: Building a Comedy Set for Trans Rights Activism

Comedy has always been a powerful tool for change. It’s a way to entertain, to get people thinking, and to make complex ideas relatable and engaging. For trans comedians, crafting a comedy set that’s both funny and advocacy-driven is an opportunity to break down stereotypes, raise awareness, and promote understanding about trans rights. And the beauty of comedy is that when people laugh, they’re often more open to hearing new ideas.

In building a set that advocates for trans rights, it’s crucial to entertain while educating—to help audiences laugh and learn at the same time. Here are some tips for structuring a comedy set that balances humor with advocacy, focusing on the concept of “punching up,” a strategy that makes sure the punchline points to systems, not individuals.

1. Start with Common Ground: Make it Relatable

To create a space for meaningful humor, it helps to start with jokes that everyone can relate to. These can be light-hearted observations about human nature, dating, or daily frustrations. Relatable humor establishes a connection with the audience, breaking down any initial tension they may feel around trans topics if they’re unfamiliar or unsure how to engage.

For example, jokes about “awkward moments at the DMV” or “shopping in one-size-fits-all stores” set a tone that’s easygoing and accessible. Once you’ve got people laughing, they’re more likely to be receptive to deeper material that challenges their perspectives.

2. Introduce Trans Experiences with Authenticity

When transitioning into jokes about trans rights or personal experiences, authenticity is key. Share your story honestly, with humor that reflects your lived reality. This doesn’t mean baring everything, but rather using humor to highlight universal experiences within the context of your trans identity.

For example, jokes about having to clarify your pronouns at the most inconvenient moments, or dealing with confused customer service reps, can help audiences see that these are everyday challenges rather than “political issues.” By rooting your set in these authentic moments, you’re humanizing trans experiences, inviting audiences to laugh along in a way that fosters understanding rather than distance.

3. Punching Up, Not Down: Target Systems, Not Individuals

One of the most effective principles in advocacy comedy is the idea of “punching up.” In comedy, “punching up” means directing humor toward systems of power, oppression, or societal norms rather than individuals or marginalized groups. The goal isn’t to target people who are confused or uncomfortable with trans identities, but rather the systems, policies, and outdated thinking that perpetuate harm.

For instance, making jokes that “punch up” could mean poking fun at outdated bureaucracy, like the absurdity of navigating gender markers on government forms, or the hoops you have to jump through to update your ID. You’re not attacking individual people or their ignorance—you’re pointing out the laughable failures of the systems that make life harder than it needs to be.

This approach not only keeps the tone positive but also allows audiences to direct their laughter at structures that could use some change. It’s a subtle way to bring attention to trans rights issues without alienating people or making them feel defensive.

4. Use Humor to Debunk Myths and Challenge Stereotypes

One of the biggest challenges in trans rights advocacy is countering the stereotypes and myths that exist about trans people. Comedy gives you a unique opportunity to address these head-on, transforming misinformation into punchlines that both educate and entertain.

For example, if you’re tackling misconceptions about pronouns, you might joke about how people struggle to learn one or two new words, even though they’re perfectly comfortable navigating endless coffee orders at Starbucks. By placing trans issues in a familiar context, you’re showing how silly these myths are without making anyone feel personally attacked. It’s about challenging the logic behind stereotypes rather than putting individuals on the spot.

5. Include Moments of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Audiences love a good story, especially one that includes moments of growth or learning. Sharing experiences where you yourself have struggled, stumbled, or learned something new can help people connect with you on a deeper level. These stories can be light-hearted and funny, showing that everyone’s on a journey—even you.

For example, you might share a story about your own coming-out process, a time when you had an unexpected “oops” moment with pronouns, or how you navigated an awkward encounter. These moments add depth to your set, making you relatable and human. They also gently remind the audience that everyone has room to learn and grow—no shame required.

6. End with a Positive, Inclusive Message

When you’re closing your set, leave the audience with a message that’s uplifting and calls them to action in an accessible way. You might end with a joke about how confusing the world is for everyone and invite the audience to see trans rights as part of the broader human rights movement. A final punchline that’s funny, positive, and inclusive leaves the audience feeling good and, ideally, thinking about how they can be allies.

For example, you could finish with a joke about how, at the end of the day, everyone is just trying to make it through without embarrassing themselves, so we might as well support each other. Leave them with a laugh and a sense of connection—encouraging them to see that advocating for trans rights is just another way to make the world a little bit kinder for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Comedy as a Platform for Advocacy

Comedy has an incredible ability to create change by making difficult topics easier to talk about. For trans comedians and allies, building a set that advocates for trans rights doesn’t mean giving a lecture—it means sharing stories, sparking laughs, and fostering empathy. By crafting jokes that are honest, funny, and rooted in authenticity, you’re helping people see trans issues from a fresh perspective.

Remember that laughter can open minds. When people feel good, they’re more receptive to new ideas, more willing to question old assumptions, and more likely to step up as allies. Through humor, we get to shape the conversation around trans rights, one laugh at a time.

For more insights on advocacy through comedy and updates on the Here to Pee tour, follow along on Instagram @RenQComedy. Because when it comes to change, sometimes all you need is a mic, a punchline, and a little bit of courage.