It’s 2019! What an already great start to the new year! It is certainly a time to be a strong, ambitious, outspoken woman! What’s disappointing is when women are still not supporting other women. I know, this isn’t quite the funny post you were expecting this week.
I went to an open mic at a club that shall remain nameless hosted by a middle-aged female comedian who also shall remain nameless. A male comic went up before me and did his set in which he was extremely sexual and raunchy. The host gave feedback to him, but did not mention any of his sexuality or critique his set as being too dirty. Then, I did my set. The feedback that I received is truly unacceptable. Instead of cheering me on, the host gave me back-handed compliments. While she thought I was funny and smart, she expressed her concerns about the sexual nature of my set. In her own words, “I urge you to clean up your act if you really want to make it”. Um, have you heard of Amy Schumer?! Why was that only said to me?! Why didn’t you tell the dude before me the same thing?!
I own my sexuality and my experiences. Am I the epitome of the persona I have on stage? Absolutely not. But are these feelings and conversations that I have with girlfriends. Hell yes. The truth is, women talk about sex, body parts, men, and everything else that goes along with all of that. When I get on stage, I want to talk about anything and everything as women should finally do in 2019. Instead of boosting me up, she put me down. In 2019, women should be able to get on stage and joke about whatever they want, including sex.
In fact, my set is empowering to women. I do not put women or our body parts down. I make fun of men! Don’t we have the right to finally do that already?! Don’t men kind of need it by now?! We’re not all “clean” comedians nor do we have to be. It’s hard enough being a woman in comedy. Most shows have a maximum of two to three female comedians including myself. Sometimes, I’m the only female in the lineup! So why would a woman make it worse by being against another woman on stage?! Also, let’s just be clear, no one knows who is going to be successful. What works for one person, may not work for someone else.
So, I won’t be going back to that open mic! If you’re a woman that is going to live within the outdated standards and terms set by the patriarchy, please keep it moving. I don’t want you around and I certainly don’t need you. I’ll be making it just fine on my own and laughing all the way!
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