In a bold move that signifies a shift within the entertainment landscape, Hannah Gadsby, a figure renowned for challenging the boundaries of comedy, has unveiled a new venture that promises to bring the spotlight to genderqueer comics from across the globe. The special, aptly named “Gender Agenda,” is set to premiere on March 5, featuring a diverse lineup of seven performers who bring their unique voices to the stage, an initiative that aims to counteract the industry’s noted transphobic tendencies.
Gadsby, both curator and host, presents an array of talent including Jes Tom, Alok, Asha Ward, Chloe Petts, DeAnne Smith, Krishna Istha, and Mx. Dahlia Belle. Each of these comics brings a rich background of accomplishments and distinct perspectives to the show. From writing for hit series and headlining major comedy festivals to advocating for queer visibility through performance and activism, their collective presence on “Gender Agenda” is a testament to the richness of genderqueer narratives in comedy.
Voices of Change and Comedy
The selection of comics for “Gender Agenda” represents a deliberate effort to amplify voices that are often marginalized within mainstream media. Jes Tom’s contributions to both television and theater, Alok’s captivating festival performances and appearances on popular series, and Asha Ward’s historic role as the youngest-ever writer for “Saturday Night Live” highlight the breadth of talent within the genderqueer community. Similarly, Chloe Petts, DeAnne Smith, Krishna Istha, and Mx. Dahlia Belle bring their own accolades and unique comedic styles to the project, from touring stand-up shows to creating impactful performance pieces and leading queer comedy festivals.
Gadsby’s commitment to this project is also a reflection of their broader advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights within the entertainment industry. By partnering with Netflix, despite previous criticisms of the platform’s handling of transphobic content, Gadsby underscores the importance of engaging with and influencing mainstream platforms to foster change. Their statement, “If you want to change the conversation, you still have to be a part of the conversation,” encapsulates the strategic approach to leveraging their relationship with Netflix for greater inclusivity and representation.
A Landmark Collaboration
Filmed at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London under the direction of Julian Smith, “Gender Agenda” is not just a comedy special but a cultural milestone. It is executive produced by a team including Gadsby, Kevin Whyte, Jenney Shamash, Kathleen McCarthy, and in collaboration with ITV’s So Television, highlighting the collaborative effort to bring this vision to life.
Gadsby’s venture into this project is driven by a keen awareness of the disparities in representation for genderqueer comics on major streaming services, juxtaposed against the growing trend of transphobic humor. Through “Gender Agenda,” Gadsby aims to redirect some of the spotlight toward those who are the subjects of such jokes, allowing them to own their narratives and engage audiences with their humor, intelligence, and authenticity.
As “Gender Agenda” prepares to make its debut, it stands as a beacon of progress, not only for the LGBTQ+ community but for the comedy genre as a whole. It’s an invitation to audiences worldwide to experience the richness of genderqueer comedy, presented by some of the most insightful and hilarious comics working today. Gadsby’s initiative is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry, where the voices of all comedians, regardless of gender identity, are celebrated and heard.