LGBTQIA+ Comics in India Are Making Us Laugh and Learn

The Indian comedy scene is undergoing a vibrant transformation, and at the forefront of this change are a growing number of openly LGBTQIA+ comedians. These LGBTQIA+ comics are using humour not just to entertain, but to challenge stereotypes. Besides, promote understanding, and create a space for their community within the mainstream.

Follow these LGBTQIA+ comics for their take on the world with a few laughs!

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A post shared by Navin Noronha (@houseofnoronha)

One such pioneer is Navin Noronha. Back in 2014, during a pivotal open-mic night, Noronha bravely decided to come out to the audience. This wasn’t a mere act of self-disclosure; it was a conscious decision to take control of the narrative surrounding LGBTQIA+ experiences. Through stand-up sets performed across India and internationally, Noronha tackles sensitive topics with wit and insight.

Beyond the stage, Noronha extends his activism through his popular podcast, “Keeping It Queer.” This platform features diverse guests and discussions that delve into various issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community. Recognizing the power of representation, Noronha actively champions the voices of others within the podcast and comedy scene at large.

Following a similar path is the rising star, Swati Sachdeva. Sachdeva’s journey began in 2017, with stand-up comedy initially serving as a casual hobby. However, the pandemic lockdown proved to be a turning point. The newfound time and space fueled her writing, culminating in a now-legendary performance. This stand-up set, which went viral on social media, marked a personal milestone for Sachdeva as she came out to the audience as bisexual. Her “coming out” video on YouTube now has 21M views!

Sachdeva’s humor goes beyond mere visibility. Her carefully crafted jokes offer a window into the unique experiences of a bisexual woman in India. She tackles topics like “bi-invisibility,” navigating straight-passing relationships, and familial dynamics.

Ritushree Panigrahi

A true multi-hyphenate, Ritushree Panigrahi is a lawyer, DEI professional, queer rights activist, corporate speaker, and, of course, a stand-up comedian. Hailing from a small town in Odisha, a place where LGBTQIA+ awareness is still limited. Besides, Panigrahi believes in the power of personal stories to inspire hope. Drawing on her unique perspective as a member of the community. However, she uses humor to tackle societal norms and prejudices head-on.

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A post shared by Ritushree (She/Her) 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@queernaari)

Her stand-up routines are a captivating blend of hilarious observations and insightful commentary, serving as a platform for advocacy and awareness. Her wit and charm disarm audiences, while her candid storytelling sheds light on important issues within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Prarthana, a young queer content creator based in Bangalore. Furthermore, she has emerged as a powerful voice using humor on social media platforms. Frustrated by the lack of relatable content for the Indian LGBTQIA+ community, Prarthana took matters into her own hands. Now boasting over 55,000 followers on Instagram, she creates content that offers a genuine perspective on queer and desi experiences, weaving humor into her storytelling.

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A post shared by Prarthana Prasad (@shorthairedbrownqueer)

Prarthana’s journey with humor is deeply personal. She views humor as a defense mechanism, a way to disarm negativity and create a space for acceptance. She believes that humor can bridge the gap of isolation often felt by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Seeing relatable jokes about shared experiences can be incredibly validating. However, Prarthana’s content aims to provide that sense of community and belonging.

These are just a few examples of the many talented LGBTQIA+ comics emerging in India. By using humor as a powerful tool, they are dismantling stereotypes, sparking conversations, and creating a more inclusive comedy scene. Their acts not only leave us laughing, but also inspire empathy and understanding. Moreover, paving the way for a more equitable future.