In 2004, Laughing
Matters highlighted the work of pioneering lesbian comics Karen Williams,
Marga Gómez, Suzanne Westenhoefer and Kate Clinton. This follows that successful
dvd with a celebration of four popular comics who have been featured on Comedy
Central, Logo and elsewhere on television and dvd. Vicki Shaw shatters stereotypes
and talks about growing up Southern Baptist in Texas, marrying and having children,
in addition to the jokes about her partner Sergeant Patch. Renee Hicks (Out
on the Edge, Coming Out Party) is
the African-American daughter of a Pentecostal preacher from Louisiana and uses
comedy to make people think as well as laugh. Sabrina Matthews (Coming
Out Party, Outlaugh!, Bam Bam and
Celeste) is a master of making fun of butch lesbian stereotypes and is a regular
in front of straight audiences as well. Elvira Kurt (Out on the Edge, We're
Funny That Way), a one time Canadian comic of the year, is a riot talking
about her mother, who is from Hungary. Pieces of their stand up acts are
intertwined with documentary style interviews with each individually and together
talking about their childhoods, coming out, and life as lesbian comedians. Vicki
Shaw in particular is very touching as she talks about being threatened with losing
God because of her sexuality. Great fun and an insight into what makes these
four women tick. |