Punch Lines, Front Lines: The Queer Comedians Changing the Game

There's a riotous new guard of young and script-flipping queer comedians who are raising their voices no matter who likes it or not. They're proving that comedy remains the surest place for truth in today's America.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison has become the most visible trans comedian in America, making numerous appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She uses the power of her identity to make observations that many comedians can't while balancing her political critiques with irreverence and fart gags.

Following: 25.7K followers on Twitter

Michael Henry

Cheekily placing controversy and stigma at the center of his videos, Michael Henry uses biting sketch comedy to facilitate conversations on issues that might seem fluffy on the surface, but actually plague LGBTQ people. ("You're a top? But you're so short!!" he quips.) From alcoholism to misogyny, bottom shaming to depression, nothing is off limits for Henry.

Following: 49.7K subscribers on YouTube

Julio Torres

If you've wondered how sketches like "Wells for Boys" made their way onto Saturday Night Live, just look to Julio Torres. Originally from El Salvador, the quirky and offbeat comic has also used his position in the writing room at 30 Rock to help usher queer content into a historically heteronormative landscape.

Following: 44.1K followers on Twitter

Sydnee Washington

Sydnee Washington is a formidable comedic force, unafraid to call out racism, misogyny, and homophobia within the first few words of her stand-up sets. Busy performing nightly in the comedy clubs of New York, Washington has utilized her first weekly podcast The UnOfficial Expert, as a way for listeners around the country to directly experience her undaunted talent.

Following: 14.1K followers on Instagram

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young-White has been on our news feeds for some time now. The 23-year-old amassed tens of thousands of followers on social media with his wit, irony, and meme-crafting skills. He uses his viral prowess to shine a light on taboo subjects that are often too difficult for anyone else to address -- like the many ways a young, brown-skinned person is received across the United States.

Following: 210K followers on Twitter