LIVE
CLOSER TO THE EDGE: OUR FAVOURITE LGBTQ+ COMEDIANS
There are some pretty iconic comedians who identify themselves within the LGBTQ+ community. We at The Edge have put together our favourite LGBTQ+ comedians, and why they stand out as our favourites.
Suzi is definitely an underrated comedian but has been tipped by many as one of the best upcoming acts for good reason. CHARLOTTE BRENNAN
SUZI RUFFELL
PAUL SINHA
Portsmouth born Suzi Ruffell began her career in comedy at only 23 years old. She has established herself as a great comic and has featured on many popular British comedy shows such as Mock the Week and The Last Leg, as well as doing a set for Live at the Apollo. Suzi’s stand-up features stories of her life experiences, describing herself as “a bit of a confession comic”. Ruffell has no problem opening up about being gay and uses stories involving her identity in her performances. Her overall honesty in her stand-up makes her comedy increasingly captivating to the audience. Ruffell believes that her sexual identity doesn’t play that big of a role in her success as a comic, but believes “what makes any comic interesting is being authentic to themselves onstage”.
Labelling himself as “the world’s only gay AngloBengali GP turned stand up comedian”, Paul Sinha is well known for his appearances in professional quiz shows, such as University Challenge: The Professionals, Are You an Egghead? and Mastermind. In September 2019, he became the British Quizzing Champion.
Suzi also works on her podcast, co-hosted with Tom Allen, called Like Minded Friends. It is “a podcast where two homo comedians talk about life, love and culture”. As well as her podcast with Tom, Suzi has recently started her own podcast, Out With Suzi Ruffell, in which she interviews a variety of LGBTQ+ guests about their lives.
31
Image courtesy of...ITV and BBC
His most recent appearances include his place on the 8th series of Taskmaster, where he came across as the least-skilled but most funny. His comedy is modest in itself, and Sinha seems like the type of guy you could go for coffee with easily. On Twitter, he is open about a lot of aspects of his life. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year, and also married his partner a few months later. If you’re looking for someone smart, modest, funny and relaxed, Paul Sinha is where you can find this. GEORGIE HOLMES
