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In Outstanding A Comedy Revolution, director Page Hurwitz chronicles the history of queer stand-up comedy as a societal force

Published Time: 03.06.2024 - 15:31:09 Modified Time: 03.06.2024 - 15:31:09

In Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, director Page Hurwitz chronicles the history of queer stand-up comedy as a societal force.

“There was shift,” the director says, “not only among comedians, but in the larger culture, as more people started to come out and started to fight for equality and for their place in the spotlight.”

The documentary, on Netflix June 18, examines stand-up from the 1950s through today, and features Lily Tomlin, Billy Eichner, Joel Kim Booster and many others.

It examines how LGBTQ+ comedians sharpened their wit amid a struggle for equality, turning pain into humor and laughter change.

Through interviews, archival stand-up performances, from Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Eddie Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O'Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen and Trixie Mattel, the film reveals that queer comedians — whether they meant to or not — really did change the world, one joke at a time.

“Comedy is potent,” continues Hurwitz. “It’s a strong tonic during divisive times. If used as a tool and not a weapon, it can unite the most diverse audiences in an instant. And laughter just feels good. It’s our shared humanity."

Booster, featured in the doc, has made a career being fearless onstage, but there is one thing that scares him about stand-up: Clapter.

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w,” says the 36-year-old actor and comedian. “You state a political opinion and then you get applause. That’s clapter. When you agree with something that someone’s saying onstage but it doesn’t make you laugh.”

Tomlin says participating in the doc made her reflect on her own trailblazing work.

“I wanted to create a world that made more sense," she says of her iconic career in comedy, improv, film and television. “The world has opened, in being able to relate to gay people,” she says. “I feel proud I was a part of that. I just can’t think there are more people unlike us than there are people like us. And I don’t mean gay — I mean human.”

"If used as a tool and not a weapon," Hurwitz says, "it can unite the most diverse audiences in an instant. Laughter feels good. It’s disarming and healing. It allows you to find something universal in the personal. And it reminds us of our shared humanity. So as more queer comedians take the stage to share their funny stories, thoughts and experiences, it only helps to foster understanding, compassion and community."

She quotes Bernhard: "Comedy is a balm that liberates you from your own repression."

Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution is on Netflix June 18 after having its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.