With every bad thing happening in the country, it feels like we keep unlocking the next tortuous level in the world’s worst video game. So seeing a funny show was a much-needed way to destress. I was thrilled to be invited to the 20th New York Comedy Festival, a multi-day showcase of top-notch comedy acts nationwide. From Nov. 7-17, folks could see different lineups and themed performances that had everyone across the Big Apple in stitches.
We were invited to watch Little Secrets, a hilarious and inclusive comedy lineup as part of the annual festival. The show was hosted by Jonathan van Halem, whose credits include Stephen Colbert’s Presents Tooning Out The News and contributions to ClickHole. The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) held the event at their historic theater in the East Village. The show featured NYC favorites like Jes Tom, Carmen Lagala, Jack Bensinger, Jared Goldstein, and Nick Smith.
Before the show, I met up with my best friend, Gaby, for a bite at a Thai-Vietnamese-Malaysian fusion restaurant called Love Mama!. We devoured incredible dumplings from “Uncle Plump,” who remarked that comedy shows today are often “too mean.” Plump’s right — no one wants to sit through a set that makes them feel small or targeted. Thankfully, Little Secrets proved that comedy can be inclusive and uplifting without sacrificing sacred humor.
What makes Little Secrets truly remarkable is its commitment to inclusivity. The comedy world has rightfully drawn criticism for punching down at marginalized communities, especially the trans community *cough cough Dave Chappelle.* However, Little Secrets understands comedy involving the LGBTQ community should be delivered by the people who identify as such. So many queer comedians have their talent overshadowed by straight peers because their content may be chalked up as ‘too niche’ or ‘not broad enough’ for hetero masses. But audiences, gay, straight, and everything in between, can handle queer storytellers at the helm of a show. In fact, spotlights on queer comedians (like Little Secrets) help address stereotypes, deliver honest stories, and stir important emotions.
The six comedians, many of whom identified as LGBTQ, brought bold, personal, and ultimately non-problematic sets. They joked about their struggles with gay dating, similarities between gays and lesbians, and the unique role bottoms play in NYC — to name a few of the topics discussed. They knew the audience skewed rainbow and acted accordingly.
The audience vibrated with excitement as the lights lowered. Host Jonathan van Halem continued introducing the revolving door of comedians, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. He should be applauded for his strong storytelling skills and casual delivery, which engaged everyone throughout the hour-long program.
Nick Smith had a great bit on “gay voice” and how it has impacted online dating. Another comedian, Jared Goldstein, was great at weaving endearing confidence into his act. Goldstein was quick with wit and leaned heavily into subverting our expectations. These two performers used their distinct personalities to connect authentically with the audience, finding humor in their own identities and experiences. It also made the audience comfortable knowing the person at the mic was willing to laugh at themselves, so it was encouraged to laugh with them. Nobody was picking on anybody or dropping slurs for shock factor. While I’m not a “snowflake” nor need a safe space, this experience proved that venues should be doing more to create equitable spaces. Nobody was subtly shitty or blatantly transphobic. They stayed in their own lanes, which was perfect.
Another highlight was comedian Carmen Lagala, who shared hilarious anecdotes about her relationship with a cis man, including a joke about her pansexuality that makes her want to “squish her boyfriend’s balls to make them look like a pussy.” Every performer brought something new, daring, and incredibly relevant to the stage. Nobody had to go home feeling like they were picked on.
The final comedian, Jack Bensinger, stood out with a bit of crowd work, teasing an audience member for his Elmo-like laugh while also poking fun at his own appearance, calling himself a “pedophilic-looking Michael Phelps.” Twas hilarious.
Comedians who dish it out need to be able to take it and be vulnerable about themselves. That’s the unspoken exchange to get an audience on your side, and Besinger cracked that code to a tee. It was a hilarious, positively weird performance that had everyone giggling long after the curtains closed.
Trans performer Jes Tom had everyone cackling about how the world misunderstands their gender identity half the time. They offered a chill perspective and got a lot of laughs. Like Tom, performers weren’t shy about calling out Trump or addressing political issues; the crowd loved it. Mike Pence got roasted for being closeted, the name “glory holes” got discussed, and all the vibes were good. Jokes like “Trump nominating the Hamburglar for the Department of Defense” had the room roaring. At least if we have to suffer these next four years, we can do so together with a little levity and laughter in the UCB theater.
For those unfamiliar with UCB, it’s the birthplace of comedy royalty such as Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, Donald Glover, and Ilana Glazer. Their company trains and employs exceptionally talented folks. Seeing a show on a stage that helped elevate and shape so many icons was an absolute treat. The UCB venue had a kind staff and an intimate setting for an awesome experience.
The 20th New York Comedy Festival has shown a dedication to advancing queer voices in comedy. Although I missed seeing one of my favorite comedians, Jaboukie Young-White, at the Hard Rock Hotel, the fact that performers like him are headlining such events proves their commitment to showcasing diverse talent. When marginalized communities are represented on stage by someone from that group, it allows everyone to laugh together, not at each other. These performers knew how to integrate their identities into their sets without making them the sole focus or butt of the joke. It was a master class in kind comedy done right.
Compare this to comedians who are paid millions to punch down. They rely on outdated, lazy material that alienates audiences and celebrates bullying. Dave Chappelle and other comedians like him might have once been celebrated for “going against the grain” by defying the woke movement or whatever, but their harmful narratives have no place in modern comedy. When queer performers tell jokes about their own communities, it’s done with an authenticity that fosters connection and understanding. You’re gaining knowledge, and not just a new slur to hurl, thanks to a bigot on stage with a mic. We remember the MAGA asshole who called Puerto Rico a garbage island, then the millions of Trumpies who defended the “joke.” I want them to explain what the funny part of that “joke” is. Where is there a clever look at the subject, a way to make us think? The lowest forms of humor are mindless insults, and that barrage often comes from right-wing nut brains.
“I may not be able to cut you down with a fist, but I can use my words to change your mind. What’s more powerful?”
Queer comedians have a unique power to use humor as a bridge for honesty and connection. With quick wit and sharp tongues honed by navigating a world that often marginalizes them, you could tell these funny people have all succeeded at being the class clown at some point. It’s just a natural way we ingratiate ourselves into straight society, using humor and words to prove our points. As a funny fellow myself, I know that what I lack in bicep muscle I make up for in tongue strength. MEANING: I may not be able to cut you down with a fist, but I can use my words to change your mind. What’s more powerful?
The comedians at Little Secrets understood the assignment: sharing comedic introspection and reflection on the queer experience. All to make us laugh but ultimately to help us understand their world better. Comedy has always been about pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. But that push and pull should invite more people in, not shut them away. Shows like Little Secrets remind us of the power of laughter, empathy, and shared joy.
Little Secrets will continue to put on progressive shows in the near future. Producer Evie Salomon delivered an unforgettable experience, and I can’t recommend it enough. Bring your friends or someone visiting from out of town—you’re guaranteed a night full of laughter. Thank you to the New York Comedy Festival for giving us a platform to celebrate inclusive comedy. Let’s continue to support LGBTQ performers and encourage more venues to have shows that lift people up rather than tear them down.
