Comedy as Courage: How the “Here to Pee” Tour defies anti-trans Laws with Laughter and Resilience
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Boulder-based comedian Ren Q. Dawe‘s recent harassment in a public restroom sparked a unique national tour, “Here to Pee,” featuring mostly trans comedians using humor to confront discriminatory bathroom laws. The incident, which occurred at a friend’s show, left Dawe feeling vulnerable. “My anxious brain was like, ‘Oh no, they’ve clocked me as trans; I’m in trouble,’” Dawe recalls. While he later realized the harassers likely targeted him for being gay, the experience fueled the creation of the tour. “it was alarming to have that happen in a place that’s perceived to be so progressive. I really was just there to pee,and I kept spiraling around that concept. It’s real and tragic, but it’s also absurd, so I wanted to make jokes.”
Launching March 1 at Boulder’s Junkyard Social Club, the tour will span all 50 states, a feat Dawe notes is unprecedented for an openly trans performer. “There is no evidence that any out queer person that we certainly know of has advertised that they have performed in all 50 states, and certainly no out trans person,” Dawe says. “As sad as that fact is, it’s also a motivating factor for us.” The tour aims to reach queer communities across the country, particularly those in states with restrictive anti-trans legislation.
“We are saying, ‘We are here, and we’re going to be over there, too, even in places that say they don’t wont us,’” Dawe explains. The tour’s performers include Mx. Dahlia Belle, Carlos Kareem Windham, and juno Men, along with local talent in each state. The proceeds benefit grassroots LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including Boulder’s Rocky Mountain Equality.
“It’s crucial that the tour is not forgetting about trans communities that are more impacted by anti-trans rhetoric than those of us who have the luxury of living in sanctuary states,” says tour performer Mx. Dahlia Belle.“Oftentimes, when we’re talking about queer culture, we’re focused on these major metropolitan areas. politicians profit off of that misconception, so actually going to these places is huge.”
Windham’s approach is particularly bold. “I will be just spreading discomfort to the whites,” Windham says. “If I have to live under this orange bag of goo for the next 1,000 days, everyone’s going to be uncomfortable. I’m not going to do it alone. If we don’t laugh in their faces, I don’t know how we survive this.”
The tour is being documented by Denver-based filmmaker Jeff Stonic. Dawe hopes the documentary will showcase the joy within the trans community. “There are not that manny stories about trans joy,” Dawe says. “It is indeed indeed always about the trans struggle, and that is real, but we also need to show that being trans isn’t inherently awful. We are a part of this stunning community that makes better jokes and laughs harder than almost any other.”
Recognizing the increased risks in states with punitive anti-trans laws, Dawe has included bail money in the tour’s budget, particularly for stops in Utah, Wyoming, Florida, and Texas. “We’re going to pee wherever our heart desires,” Dawe says. “That’s not to say we are going out of our way to break the law, but it is more likely to happen in those places. This very much is the definition of civil disobedience, and that makes this really unique, a little bit edgier and a little bit scarier as I want to make sure my performers are kept safe.”
Juno Men highlights the tour’s broader impact: “For me, part of the hope of this tour is to humanize trans people,” Juno Men says. “Politicians aren’t just trying to roll back trans rights — they’re trying to say we don’t exist, which is ridiculous. By performing in so many states were there’s not a lot of understanding of trans people, that’s creating a point of accessibility for people that maybe feel the way they do and think the way they do as they just have never met a trans person.”
The “here to pee” tour, starting March 1 at the Junkyard Social Club in Boulder, Colorado, with tickets priced at $20, is more than just a comedy show; it’s a statement of defiance and a party of trans resilience.
Headline: “Laughing in the Face of Adversity: The ‘Here to Pee’ Tour’s Stand Against anti-Trans Laws and the Power of Humor as Resistance”
Imagine a national comedy tour that not only offers laughter but boldly stands as a statement of defiance against discriminatory bathroom laws. Ren Q. Dawe’s “Here to Pee” tour is pioneering this intersection of comedy and activism,exploring the nuances of trans resilience through humor.
Empowering Through Laughter: The Courage of the ‘Here to Pee’ Tour
Editor: The ‘Here to Pee’ tour has generated significant attention for its unique blend of comedy and activism. Could you explain why humor is such a powerful tool in the fight against anti-trans legislation?
Expert: Humor serves as both a shield and a sword in confronting oppressive laws. It allows marginalized communities to reclaim narrative control, turning a divisive issue into a shared experience of joy. By using comedy, the ‘Here to Pee’ tour defuses tension and humanizes trans experiences, making them more accessible to broad audiences. This approach helps dismantle stereotypes by presenting trans people as relatable and multifaceted individuals.
A National Phenomenon: Breaking New Ground
Editor: Ren Q. Dawe has highlighted the unprecedented nature of the tour, with performances in all 50 states. How significant is this achievement in the context of LGBTQ+ advocacy?
Expert: It’s profoundly significant.for trans performers, visibility is crucial in breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.The ‘Here to Pee’ tour marks a historic moment,showcasing openly trans talent nationwide. This visibility not only challenges societal norms but also asserts cultural presence, offering portrayal in places that might or else marginalize trans voices. it’s a powerful testament to resilience and solidarity.
Community Impact: Grassroots Support and advocacy
Editor: The tour benefits grassroots LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.How do these contributions amplify the tour’s impact on local communities?
expert: By supporting grassroots organizations, the ‘Here to Pee’ tour extends its influence beyond the stage, directly contributing to the vital work of local advocacy groups. This support helps amplify marginalized voices in communities facing stringent anti-trans legislation. It empowers these organizations to continue their advocacy, providing resources and visibility that can lead to tangible policy changes and improved support structures for trans individuals.
Creating Accessibility and Awareness
Editor: Can you elaborate on how touring in less progressive states contributes to broader societal understanding and acceptance of trans people?
Expert: Performing in states with limited progressive legislation facilitates direct interaction with diverse audiences, many of whom may have limited exposure to trans narratives. This creates opportunities for dialog and education, challenging misconceptions. It helps humanize trans experiences, showing people that trans individuals are part of their communities and neighbors. by bringing shows to these areas, the tour fosters greater social cohesion and paves the way for increased acceptance.
A Statement of Defiance: Civil disobedience and Safety
Editor: Given the tour’s civil disobedience nature, how does it balance defiance with ensuring the safety of its performers?
Expert: Safety remains a paramount concern. The inclusion of bail money for high-risk states exemplifies the careful planning involved. While the tour asserts the right for trans individuals to exist freely and safely, it prioritizes performer security. This approach underscores the commitment to civil disobedience as a means of visibility and resistance,rather than reckless defiance. By strategically choosing locations and preparing for potential risks, the tour highlights the courage and resilience of its performers.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Joy and Resistance
Editor: what lasting impact do you foresee the ‘Here to Pee’ tour having on both the comedy world and the broader fight for trans rights?
Expert: The ‘Here to Pee’ tour sets a precedent for combining entertainment with activism, demonstrating comedy’s role in social change. It builds a legacy that intertwines laughter with advocacy, encouraging future initiatives to embrace this model. For the trans community, it serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, showcasing their vibrancy and the worldwide language of humor.Ultimately, it continues to foster dialogue, understanding, and acceptance, contributing to a more inclusive society.
In closing, the ‘Here to Pee’ tour is not merely a comedy circuit; it’s a beacon of courage, a celebration of trans resilience, and an unyielding statement of defiance. It invites us all to consider the power of humor in creating lasting change. We invite readers to share their thoughts on this groundbreaking initiative—how does humor play a role in social activism in your community?