They say laughter is the best medicine, but let’s be real—so is a solid gay panic over a well-dressed woman with a microphone. There’s something about the perfect mix of confidence, chaos, and queer humor that makes lesbian comedians some of the most magnetic performers in the game. Whether it’s a razor-sharp one-liner, a painfully relatable dating anecdote, or a roast that cuts deeper than your last breakup, these women deliver comedy that’s equal parts hilarious and uncomfortably accurate.
Lesbian comedians have been lighting up stages, streaming platforms, and TikTok feeds with jokes that hit so hard they might just make your ex text you back. From stand-up legends who’ve been breaking barriers for decades to rising stars bringing fresh sapphic energy to the mic, these comics are redefining what it means to be funny, fearless, and unapologetically queer. So grab your emotional support iced coffee, cancel your plans (because we both know you were looking for an excuse), and get ready to fall in love with some of the funniest queer women in comedy today.
Laugh Out Loud with These Must-Watch Lesbian Comedians
Wanda Sykes
One of the most iconic voices in comedy, Wanda Sykes’ sharp wit and fearless social commentary make her a must-watch. Catch her Netflix special Not Normal or her scene-stealing roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Upshaws. She’s been breaking barriers for decades and remains one of the most relevant and hilarious voices in the game.
Hannah Gadsby
The Aussie comedian Hannah Gadsby redefined stand-up with Nanette, blending humor and trauma in a way that left us all emotionally wrecked (but in a good way). Watch Douglas on Netflix for more sharp, intellectual comedy. Their ability to flip traditional stand-up on its head makes every special a must-watch event.
Tig Notaro
Deadpan delivery? Check. Impeccable storytelling? Double-check. Tig Notaro’s Live album and Netflix special Happy to Be Here prove she’s one of the best to ever do it. She’s also a fantastic actor, appearing in Star Trek: Discovery and the zombie film Army of the Dead. And the director of Come See Me in the Good Light, a queer flim that we loved featuring two of the most incredible queer poets.
Cameron Esposito
Known for her leather jackets and razor-sharp humor, Cameron Esposito’s Rape Jokes special is both hilarious and powerful. Check out her podcast Queery for in-depth LGBTQ+ convos. She’s also written a memoir, Save Yourself, that’s equal parts touching and funny.
Mae Martin
A nonbinary comedian with the heart of a poet and the mind of a chaos gremlin, Mae Martin’s Feel Good is a must-watch series that’s both funny and heartbreakingly real. Their stand-up is equal parts awkward, endearing, and wickedly smart. Martin is also an incredibly talented musician and co host of the Handsome Podcast with fellow queer comedians Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster.
Fortune Feimster
If southern charm and self-deprecating humor are your vibe, Fortune Feimster’s Netflix special Sweet & Salty is a perfect watch. She also stars in The Mindy Project and Kenan, proving her comedic range extends beyond the stage.
Jessica Kirson
Her high-energy, self-mocking style is a comedy masterclass. Watch her special, Talking to Mysel, on Comedy Central for a dose of chaos in the best way. She also produces and mentors up-and-coming comedians, making her a true force in the industry.
Marga Gomez
A pioneer in LGBTQ+ comedy, Marga Gomez’s storytelling and charisma shine in her one-person shows and stand-up specials. She’s been performing for decades and continues to be a trailblazer for queer representation in comedy.
Lea DeLaria
Before she was Big Boo on Orange is the New Black, Lea DeLaria was making waves as a stand-up comic. Watch her old-school sets for some 90s queer nostalgia. She’s also a talented jazz singer, proving her artistry knows no bounds.
Sabrina Jalees
A Canadian-Pakistani powerhouse, Sabrina Jalees’ hilarious takes on family and identity shine in her The Comedy Lineup special on Netflix. She’s also a writer for Harley Quinn and Search Party, showcasing her comedic chops behind the scenes.
Gina Yashere
British-Nigerian comic Gina Yashere’s smart, observational humor can be seen on The Daily Show and in her special Laughing to America. She’s also the co-creator of Bob Hearts Abishola, proving she’s a force both on and off the stage.
Sam Jay
A former SNL writer turned stand-up star, Sam Jay’s HBO special 3 in the Morning is essential viewing. She also hosts the late-night show Pause with Sam Jay, bringing fresh perspectives to the comedy world. She also had some of the most memorable moments in the Tom Brady Roast.
Judy Gold
Judy Gold’s been making us laugh since the ’90s, and her stand-up still hits hard. Her book, Yes, I Can Say Tha,t is a must-read for comedy nerds. She’s also a podcast host, tackling everything from politics to pop culture with her signature wit.
DeAnne Smith
A mix of awkward charm and brainy humor, DeAnne Smith’s stand-up (including their Netflix appearance on The Comedy Lineup) is adorably hilarious. Their comedy blends nerdy observations with clever wordplay, making every set a delightful experience.
Chloe Petts
An up-and-coming UK comedian, Chloe Petts’ clever and dry stand-up is taking the scene by storm. Catch her on the British panel show circuit. She’s quickly gaining a reputation for her sharp observational humor and deadpan delivery.
Rosie Jones
Another Brit making waves in the lesbian comedian world, Rosie Jones blends self-deprecating humor with whip-smart social commentary, all with a cheeky grin. Her comedy fearlessly tackles ableism and sexism, making her a refreshing and necessary voice in the industry.
Kate McKinnon
Okay, she’s more of a sketch comedy queen than a stand-up, but Saturday Night Live MVP Kate McKinnon deserves a spot for her hilarious queer characters alone. Her impressions of political figures and pop culture icons are pure gold.
Ian Harvie
As one of the first openly transgender stand-up comics, Ian Harvie blends his personal experiences with sharp, observational humor. He’s known for his appearances on TV shows like Transparent and for his live stand-up specials.
Irene Tu
A dry, sarcastic delivery and millennial ennui make Irene Tu’s stand-up perfect for anyone who’s ever texted ‘lol’ while actually crying. Their Comedy Central appearances showcase their talent for turning mundane moments into comedy gold.
Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau, a talented bisexual comedian, brings joy to the stage with her sharp wit and hilarious perspective. Her Netflix special Survival of the Thickest is pure joy.
Ashley Gavin
A TikTok and podcast favorite, Ashley Gavin brings brash, unapologetic queer humor to her stand-up. Catch her podcast We’re Having Gay Sex for hilarious LGBTQ+ insights and her live stand-up for a dose of raw, unfiltered comedy.
Danea Hayes
A rising force in queer comedy, Danea Hayes blends sharp storytelling with relatable lesbian experiences. Her stand-up, often showcased at LGBTQ+ festivals and comedy clubs, is gaining traction fast—keep an eye on this one!
