As regulars in the Toronto stand-up scene, Jess Beaulieu and Courtney Skye are all too familiar with sexism from fellow comics and audiences.
In my first few shows I experienced everything from subtle harassment onstage to openly being called a slut, says Beaulieu. That behavior wouldnt be accepted in other workplaces, but it happens all the time in stand-up, and it discourages women from trying to do comedy.
Theys why they started an all-feminist, mostly female open mic at the Bloorcourts Saving Gigi last month. Every Wednesday at 8 pm, the hosts creates a space for self-identified women (and four pre-booked men) to try comedy in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and sex positive.
Courtney Skye says shes had similar experiences with open mic nights around the city.
Literally all the other comics who got pulled from the bucket, or who would get on stage before me, would say these sexist, racist, and transphobic things, she says. Id get up there as a woman of colour and I wouldnt get any laughs. Theyd try and cut my set short or Id get heckled. For a while I wondered if I wasnt funny, but then I realized that maybe Im not funny in those settings because people like me werent welcome there.
At Open Gigi, the duo has put a lot of effort into creating the type of room that they would have wanted for their first performances. The initial shows have been packed houses, full of both comedians and audience members.
Its been really amazing, says Skye. The space is really intimate and everybodys been listening to each other. People are even staying for the whole show, which never happens at an open mic.
Beaulieu, co-host of the menstrual cycle-centric podcast Crimson Wave, met Skye while performing on Bad Bitches, a monthly show at Comedy Bar that Skye produces. The two bonded over their First Nations heritage and mutual respect for each others humour. In their work, both comics explore feminism and the many different things that means to them as artists.
I would say that all art I create is feminist, explains Beaulieu. There are a lot of newer feminists who may possess privilege and are trying to use that privilege to help other women who may be more marginalized. What were doing is an extension of that. If a man bombs on a stand up show, it doesnt mean anything for men. If a woman bombs on a stand up show, it means that women arent funny. There is an added pressure for us when performing, but that also means that if one of us does well, it helps everybody. Hopefully Open Gigi is a space where we can advocate for comedy by women, including women of colour, and trans women.
Also there will be a lot of jokes, adds Skye.
Open Gigi happens every Wednesday night at Savng Gigi Cafe (859 Bloor Street West). Sign-ups start at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. More information can be found here.
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