The history of gay stand-up comedy is explored in this feature-length documentary, which is the first of its type to tackle this subject. The video’s tagline reads, “an instrument for social change over the past five decades, actively reflecting and challenging cultural norms and values.”
Along with archival footage of LGBTQ+ comedians, the film has stand-up routines, talking head interviews, and appearances by Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen, and Trixie Mattel.
Plot
The documentary features interviews with several historians, including Kate Aurthur, Editor-at-Large of Variety, Dave Holmes, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, and Susan Stryker.
The author and director of “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is Page Hurwitz. “I’m thrilled for the movie’s release, especially now, as humour has the ability to bring people together, and the comedians in this movie have been doing that for years with their innovative work,” Hurwitz said in a statement. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for viewers to learn about comedians they may not have known about and to hear some of their favourite comedic role models tell riveting untold tales.
“Queer liberation is the ultimate goal of LGBTQ+ stand up history,” she went on. “We don’t normally think of comedians when we think of social movements but the talented artists in this film helped to shift the culture in significant ways, sometimes having to make great personal sacrifices. I hope this film honors and celebrates their contributions to LGBTQ+ history and to the larger community. This film has been a true labor of love and I’m grateful to Netflix for their support.”
Know the Makers
Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes from Push It Productions, Brian Graden, Dave Mace, and LB Horschler from Brian Graden Media, and Katherine LeBlond from Union Editorial are the executive producers.
Checkout The Trailer
Release Date
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution will release on June 8, 2024.