WHo teaches queers can’t take a joke?

The course is taught by me, Charlie Girard!

I’m a queer + trans Brooklyn-based stand-up comedian from DC, where I began teaching this course at DC’s best queer bar, as you are., in 2023. So far, over 70 students have finished the course and performed in a final showcase!

Why does this course exist?

This course provides LGBTQ+ people a community to learn stand-up comedy. A queer space allows comedians the chance to work on authentic material without worrying about tailoring content.

WHat’s with the name???

The name “Queers Can’t Take A Joke” plays with the (false) premise that when those in the majority make jokes at the expense of those with less power (when they punch down), those disadvantaged groups (queer people, people of color, people with disabilities, etc) don’t laugh because they “can’t take a joke.”

However, we know that’s not the case! And, you can ask one of the many stand-ups out there from marginalized communities!

Like, if queer people can’t take a joke, how come we’re so dang funny???? Huh????

Plus, if that statement were true, the class couldn’t exist — queer people wouldn’t be able to write or tell jokes at all. But, we do write and tell jokes! And they’re good jokes!

So, I (Charlie) think it’s a very funny name because comedy is (say it with me) juxtaposition.

CHARLIE, HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?

Yelling very loudly, smoke signals, and email all work very well!
I prefer that last one, though!