Up-and-coming comedian Quincy Bazen is making waves with his new show, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a groundbreaking hour-long performance that debuted in LA at The Virgil. Bazen, who recently turned 30, uses his platform to delve into deeply personal and often dark subjects like family breakdowns, mental illness, and the fears associated with aging in the gay community. His approach is refreshingly candid and filled with humor that resonates with a wide audience.
A Unique Backstory Fueling Authentic Comedy
Bazen’s upbringing in a military family, with fourteen moves before completing high school, profoundly influenced his life and the essence of his show. He reflects on the challenges of forming an identity amid constant change, particularly while hiding his sexual orientation. Bazen’s comedy emerges from these experiences, providing an authentic and relatable narrative. He views comedy as a means to explore and share his life’s complexities beyond surface-level small talk.
Embracing and Celebrating Queer Identity
A distinct aspect of Bazen’s comedy is its unabashedly gay perspective. He navigates topics like relationships, sexual roles, and dealing with familial discomfort about his identity with a queer lens, often turning these experiences into comedic gold. Bazen emphasizes the importance of queer comedy in challenging societal norms and expectations placed on LGBTQ individuals, using his stage presence to rebel against restrictive norms he faced growing up.
From Theatre Kid to Stand-Up Star
Bazen’s transition to stand-up comedy was a natural progression from his background in theatre, a passion he’s nurtured since childhood. The pandemic’s constraints pushed him to explore stand-up as a new medium for expression, where he found a unique freedom and adaptability. His experience in theatre provided a foundation for his confidence and ease on stage, evident in his performances.
Looking Ahead: A Rising Star in Comedy
2024 is shaping up to be a significant year for Bazen. He plans to tour with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” starting in February and will launch a monthly comedy showcase in Los Angeles. Additionally, Bazen co-hosts the “Dom Pop” podcast, offering his takes on new and classic pop albums. The podcast’s third annual Dommie Awards, described as the “unofficial Grammy Awards,” are also on the horizon. Bazen’s journey into his thirties marks not just personal growth but also a flourishing career, disproving his initial apprehensions about aging within the gay community.