National Center for Lesbian Rights
Laughing all the way
On Saturday night, I went to see Kate Clinton at the Somerville Theater on her "It's Come to This! 25th Anniversary Tour." I want you to think about that; while many people know her as a columnist for The Progressive, Kate Clinton has been making a living as a lesbian comic since 1981. Along with people like Marga Gomez and Lea DeLaria, Kate Clinton has been a queer political cultural pioneer. Here's her own diddy from the program notes:
It's come to this: for twenty five years, I have thanked you for coming out--out of the closet, out of your homes, out of your daily routines--to come to my shows. You have shown up through snowstorms, earthquakes, bomb scares, picket lines, transit strkes, orange alerts, breakups, epidemics, recessions, weddings, child care emergencies, juntas, peace time and war time. you have screamed, shouted, cried, cruised, smeared mascara, gotten hoarse, groaned, pounded your friends, gone quiet, been offended, moaned, whooped, lost bodily fluids, talked back.
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By showing up and laughing, we have put our bodies on the line. It has been good practice. It has come to this. We have made community. We have changed history. It has been a blast. Thank you for celebrating with me tonight!
Culture | Queer | Stand-up Comedy | National Center for Lesbian Rights
