Stand-Up and Self-Acceptance: How Comedy Helps LGBTQ+ People Embrace Their True Selves

There’s something magical about getting up on stage, grabbing the mic, and putting yourself out there for an audience to see. For LGBTQ+ people, stand-up comedy can be more than just a chance to make people laugh—it can be an act of self-acceptance and a powerful tool for healing. In a world that often tells queer people to tone it down or hide who they are, standing on stage, unfiltered and unapologetic, becomes a radical act of self-love.

As a trans comedian, I know firsthand the power comedy has to transform the way we see ourselves. Stand-up allows me to share my story, confront stereotypes, and embrace my identity in a way that feels authentic and joyful. Here’s how comedy helps LGBTQ+ people tap into self-acceptance, heal from the pressures of society, and find community through laughter.

1. Owning Your Story: Comedy as a Path to Self-Acceptance

One of the most freeing aspects of stand-up is the chance to tell your story your way. For many LGBTQ+ folks, our stories have been shaped by others—parents, teachers, friends, or the broader culture. Comedy gives us the mic, literally and figuratively, to reframe those experiences on our own terms. By crafting our narratives through jokes, we claim ownership of who we are and let go of the shame or guilt society often places on us.

Humor is also an incredible way to process past pain. By turning difficult experiences into comedy, we’re not just surviving them; we’re transforming them into something that brings joy. For example, jokes about coming out or dealing with awkward family gatherings aren’t just funny; they’re a way to find catharsis and redefine our relationships with those moments. In comedy, the moments that once felt painful become punchlines, allowing us to take back control.

2. Finding Joy in Authenticity

There’s no one “right way” to be LGBTQ+, and comedy celebrates that uniqueness in each of us. Comedy thrives on authenticity, and the more real you are, the more audiences respond. For LGBTQ+ comedians, that authenticity is often about finding pride in the things that make us different, from our mannerisms and quirks to our unique perspectives on the world.

In embracing these aspects of ourselves on stage, we show that there’s strength in vulnerability. Audiences love genuine, honest performances, and that love is felt by the performer, reinforcing that we’re enough just as we are. This feeling of being seen and appreciated for who we truly are becomes an affirmation of our worth. It’s a reminder that our queerness isn’t something to hide or apologize for—it’s something to celebrate and share with others.

3. Humor as Healing: Releasing Shame and Celebrating Resilience

Comedy has a unique ability to shine light into dark places. For LGBTQ+ people, humor can be a way to release feelings of shame, guilt, or isolation that may have been carried for years. By laughing at the absurdity of discrimination or the awkwardness of our personal journeys, we release ourselves from those negative emotions.

Comedy also helps us recognize our resilience. Each joke becomes a testament to our ability to rise above challenges, to find joy in difficult moments, and to connect with others through shared experiences. This process is deeply healing, reminding us that even in a world that doesn’t always understand us, we can find strength in laughter and community.

For example, when I joke about my own experiences navigating gender or facing discrimination, I’m taking that narrative away from those who try to control it. By laughing at it, I reclaim my power and remind myself (and my audience) that LGBTQ+ people are incredibly strong, adaptive, and capable of joy in even the toughest situations.

4. Performing as a Radical Act of Self-Love

Performing on stage as an LGBTQ+ person is, in itself, a radical act of self-love. Society has historically erased or marginalized queer voices, and standing up in front of an audience says, “I am here, I am worthy, and I deserve to be heard.” For many queer performers, this can be a life-changing experience. It’s a way to actively love ourselves, to put ourselves out there in all our queerness, and to receive the validation of laughter, applause, and connection.

Every time we step on stage, we’re affirming our existence, giving ourselves permission to be fully seen, and inviting others to join us in that celebration. Stand-up allows LGBTQ+ people to shed the masks we might have worn to fit in or survive and instead embrace the beauty of being exactly who we are.

5. Building Community and Finding Connection

One of the most beautiful aspects of LGBTQ+ comedy is the way it fosters community. When we share our stories and laugh at our shared experiences, we’re creating bonds with each other and the audience. For many LGBTQ+ folks, comedy shows become spaces where we can feel safe, seen, and connected to others who understand us.

Audience members, queer and straight alike, find common ground through laughter, and these shared moments create empathy and understanding. Comedy can bridge gaps and bring people together in a way that’s hard to achieve in other settings. For LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel isolated or misunderstood, comedy shows offer a sense of belonging and a reminder that we’re not alone in our journeys.

Final Thoughts: Stand-Up as a Tool for Self-Acceptance and Community

Comedy is a gift, especially for LGBTQ+ people who have faced stigma, rejection, or misunderstanding. It’s a way to say, “This is who I am, and I’m proud of it.” Through humor, we can break down walls, confront prejudice, and heal old wounds. Stand-up allows us to laugh at the challenges, celebrate our uniqueness, and embrace our true selves in front of an audience that gets it.

For those who have ever felt like they don’t fit in, comedy is a place where we can create our own fit, laugh off societal pressures, and revel in the freedom of being our true selves. Whether you’re on stage or in the audience, remember that laughter is a form of self-love—and there’s nothing more powerful than that.

Follow along with my journey on Instagram @RenQComedy for more insights into LGBTQ+ comedy, updates on the Here to Pee tour, and maybe even a few good laughs. Because at the end of the day, embracing who we are—flaws, quirks, and all—is the best punchline of all.