A tour promoting trans comedy and variety shows across the United States is gaining attention, despite increasing censorship and hostility toward the trans community.
Organized by Dawe, the tour reached its 15th stop in Atlanta on April 21, attracting about 75 attendees. As the first all-trans comedy event in America, it showcases performers from diverse backgrounds, focusing on bridging gaps between the trans community and those attempting to marginalize them.
“We had been reaching hundreds of thousands of people,” Dawe shared with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “But now Meta are turning down the volume on queer content. So we became a word-of-mouth event, and somehow, it’s working.”
The tour continues this week with stops in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C., moving on to New York before returning to Kentucky and West Virginia. In November, it will make another Southeast appearance. Dawe stresses that the essence of the tour lies in humor and unity, especially amid a climate of increased scrutiny and negative sentiments toward transgender individuals.
Dawe, a trans man originally from West Virginia, highlighted the personal narrative that drives the tour. He mentioned the ongoing backlash against the trans community instigated by the current political climate and certain corporate actions, stating, “I was born a woman in West Virginia and now I’m a trans man living in Denver. I’m the amalgam of every barista you’ve ever met. When people asked me what I wanted to be growing up, it was not to be the star of every anti-DEI bill.”
Comedienne Lauren Jones, who performs in Atlanta, encourages audience members who may have never met a trans person to attend and experience the comedy firsthand. One of her signature jokes centers around an awkward encounter between two trans individuals at a Chick-fil-A, a company that has faced boycotts over its president’s opposition to same-sex marriage and donations to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations.
Kadji Amin, a professor of gender studies at Emory University, noted that increased visibility of trans individuals in media contrasts sharply with the historical narrative of invisibility that many trans people prefer for safety and acceptance. He remarked, “People are turning on their televisions and seeing lots of positive images of trans people. Or you hear stories of children going to school and their parents talking about trans people like it’s no big deal.”
Despite the progress, Amin expressed concerns about the backlash against increasing trans visibility, echoing sentiments reminiscent of the anti-gay hysteria of the 1990s. He acknowledged that while some trans people appreciate the visibility, others desire to blend in as a means of self-protection.
Additionally, the notion of hormone usage has seen a rise not only within the trans community but also among the general population, which has sparked discussions about double standards and medical ethics. Amin pointed out the irony in how trans individuals face scrutiny for using hormones for transition while cisgender individuals utilize similar treatments without the same societal backlash.
The American Medical Association has asserted that gender-affirming care is vital for the well-being of transgender individuals, underlining the necessity of such treatments.
Courtney Cook, an education manager at American Documentary Inc., emphasized that the ongoing climate of censorship against trans individuals is particularly troubling within the arts. She stated, “The state doesn’t get to be the arbiter of our social and intimate relationships. Trans people are people, not issues.”
Recent policy changes by Meta have raised alarms within the LGBTQ+ community. A report from the Human Rights Campaign indicates a systematic exclusion of queer content and visibility on platforms owned by Meta, including Instagram and Facebook. Dawe recounted his own experience with advertising for the tour when his promotional content was consistently rejected for failing to meet community standards, suggesting a targeted restriction against trans-related content.
A Meta spokesperson explained that one ad was flagged for violating policies against fundraising that is tied to advocacy for social issues, adding weight to claims of increased censorship.
This atmosphere of exclusion has implications for trans representation in digital spaces, contributing to a narrative that detracts from the lived experiences of trans individuals.
In light of these challenges, the tour remains a vital platform for trans voices, with Dawe emphasizing the critical role of humor and connection in counteracting societal marginalization.
As the tour moves forward, it seeks to cultivate empathy and understanding through laughter, illustrating that humor can serve as a bridge between communities often divided by misunderstanding and prejudice. Despite the hurdles posed by censorship and political strife, the commitment to amplifying trans voices in creative spaces underscores the resilience of the community.
In conclusion, while external forces attempt to silence and marginalize, events like Dawe’s comedy tour demonstrate the power of genuine connection and the humanizing effect of shared laughter.
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