New Survey Aims to Uncover Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Comedians

A new survey has been launched by Comedy Bloomers, a platform dedicated to LGBTQ+ comedic talent, to gather crucial data on the experiences of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians across the UK. The initiative seeks to understand the visibility, access, and career progression challenges faced by these performers, particularly those with intersecting marginalized identities.

Key Takeaways

• A survey is underway to collect data on the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ comedians.

• The findings will support future funding, programming, and advocacy efforts.

• There's a recognized lack of data on intersectionally marginalized comedians.

Understanding the Landscape

Comedy Bloomers has initiated a comprehensive survey to shed light on the realities of LGBTQ+ comedians in the UK comedy scene. The survey aims to collect vital data concerning their visibility, access to opportunities, and overall career progression. Organisers emphasize that the initiative is particularly focused on understanding the experiences of performers who identify as LGBTQ+ and also belong to other underrepresented groups, such as those who are disabled, trans, or from BAME backgrounds.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

The data gathered from the survey will be instrumental in highlighting systemic barriers within the comedy industry. Comedy Bloomers believes that despite increased discussions about diversity in the arts, there remains a significant gap in understanding the lived experiences of comedians with multiple marginalized identities. Chris Smith, founder of Comedy Bloomers, stated that while LGBTQ+ comedians face challenges, these can be amplified for those also experiencing racism, ableism, or transphobia. This survey is designed to document these realities and advocate for tangible change.

Scope of the Survey

The survey will delve into several key areas:

• Visibility: Examining the presence of LGBTQ+ comedians in mainstream media and on live comedy circuits.

• Career Progression: Identifying obstacles related to accessing opportunities and industry networks.

• Support Systems: Assessing the effectiveness of current pathways to success, including festivals and showcases.

• Intersectionality: Understanding the unique experiences of performers with intersecting identities.

All responses will be kept anonymous. The collected data will form an evidence base to support future funding applications, inform programming decisions, and guide advocacy work. Smith added that the goal is to create a clearer picture of who is being supported and who is being overlooked, ensuring equitable opportunities for the next generation of comedians, focusing not just on visibility but also on sustainability.

The survey is accessible until April 20th via comedybloomers.com/survey2026.

Sources

• Survey to spotlight barriers facing LGBTQ+ comedians launched, British Comedy Guide.