Australia is bursting at the seams with amazing comedic talent. But did you know some of the funniest people on the scene are queer?
From live stand-up stages to online streaming services, these performers are breaking boundaries one joke at a time. We’ve compiled a list of queer comedians who are making waves (of laughter) in the comedy scene.
1. AJ Lamarque (he/him)
AJ Lamarque has the whole package: wit, charm, and a million-dollar smile.
Lamarque is on a mission to unite his audience through humour. Proudly mixed race with ties to five different continents, Lamarque uses his wide range of cultural experiences to connect with, well, everyone!
Sydneysiders can catch Lamarque’s Kweens of Comedy show on Friday nights from January to July each year, where he showcases his burgeoning comedic talent. He describes his recent show, A Beginner’s Guide to Gay Cruising, as:
“everything people want to know about these infamous cruises, from the parties to the sex…So grab your life vests, floaties, and jockstraps because it’s time to go cruising.”
If you missed the boat, we have an article on Gay Cruising, so you can do some research while you await his next voyage.
2. Anna Piper Scott (she/her)
Hailing from Perth, Anna Piper Scott is a magical mastermind who can take any hate thrown her way and make her haters the punchline.
Her comedic style strikes the perfect balance between humour and activism. As a trans woman, a lesbian, and a comedian, Scott offers a unique perspective that has earned her stellar reviews, sold-out shows, and an impressive collection of award nominations and wins.
Though she’s just announced a break following the success of her smash-hit show None of That Queer Stuff, you can scroll through clips of Scott’s old routines and wait patiently for her return here.
3. Hannah Gadsby (they/them)
It’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Hannah Gadsby, a Tasmanian comedian with an Emmy, a Peabody, and an Australian Academy Award under their belt. With their unique ability to make you laugh until you cry, then actually cry, then laugh again, those awards are well deserved.
If you want to feel literally everything in the span of a few hours, you can watch a trilogy of Gadsby’s work (Nanette, Douglas, and Something Special) on Netflix. Meanwhile, Gadsby will be busy trotting around the globe with their new show, Woof!.
Follow along with Hannah Gadsby here.
4. Steven Oliver (he/him)
Self-described as a “fabulous, illubrious, Indigenous queen”, Steven Oliver is one of Australia’s greatest creators. He’s a decorated poet, a celebrated playwright, and a storyteller through song. But beneath all that highbrow artistry, Oliver’s also a raunchy, real, and hilarious comedian.
Oliver’s critically acclaimed comedy cabaret show, Bigger & Blacker, reflects on his experiences as a gay First Nations man with humour and heart. His sketch comedy show, Black Comedy, is also available to stream on ABC iView.
5. Granny Bingo
After nearly a decade, everybody’s favourite grannies are still kickin’ it!
Drag performers Edith Vale, Maureen McGillicuddy, and Caroline Springs made it through lockdowns and a global pandemic – but not without losing their final shreds of social etiquette. With irreverent humour that would make your own grandma clutch her pearls, the Granny Bingo trio always delivers a good time.
You can follow these naughty nanas here or join them in Melbourne for bingo on the first Monday of the month.
6. Carmelo Costa (he/him)
If the name of his first solo show, Sloppy Toppy, wasn’t enough of a hint, up-and-comer Carmelo Costa likes it dirty. A man truly dedicated to the craft, Costa’s willing to fall on his sword if it means getting a good laugh out of his audience.
Nothing is off limits in Costa’s stand-up routine. From poetically describing his first time fisting to educating his audience on making peace with poo, Costa’s oversharing flirts with discomfort but never fails to make you laugh.
Sloppy Toppy proves that Costa’s comedic prowess has only improved following his sold-out shows Belligerent and Gay Horseplay. If you’re into dark, self-deprecating humour, you can find Costa here.