Gender Agenda Has Something for Everyone (Except Bigots)

The conservative backlash to queer rights and visibility has undeniably hit the world of entertainment. A round-up of recently canceled queer shows over at Gay Times included 1899, Batwoman, Gentleman Jack, Our Flag Means Death, and Warrior Nun, among numerous others. The LGBTQIA+ community are unfortunately used to fighting for scraps of representation, so Gender Agenda, the Hannah Gadsby-curated Netflix showcase featuring up-and-coming genderqueer comedians, is a much-needed respite.

The stand-ups featured—Jes Tom, Chloe Petts, Asha Ward, DeAnne Smith, Mx. Dahlia Belle, Krishna Istha, and Alok—vary wildly in their styles and perspectives, and so the project ends up feeling like comedic tapas; there’s a little bit for everyone, so if you’re not into what’s on stage, the next performance may be to your taste.

Gender Agenda was not released in a vacuum, as our host Gadsby is quick to tell us. Dave Chappelle’s transphobic Netflix special The Closer rightfully sparked ire in the queer community, and Gadsby (who doesn’t name check Chappelle, just vaguely refers to him as one of the streamer’s “pet edgelords”) wrote a strongly worded missive to the media behemoth. As a teeny, tiny bit of lip service, Netflix gave Gadsby the green light to do Gender Agenda. Gadsby notes that this is not enough—representation only goes so far when laws are being passed that endanger queer people—but it’s a step in the right direction.

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First up on the Alexandra Palace stage is Jes Tom, who we dubbed one of the best comedians of 2023 (and whose interview about their show Less Lonely you can check out here). Tom is known for their work as a writer on OFMD, and their Gender Agenda set is full of their signature wit. They employ excellent word play and gleefully analyze the differences between sexting with men and women, as well as the rules of attraction in lesbian circles versus those of gay men. Tom is clever, self-deprecating, and the perfect introduction to the show.

English comic Chloe Petts follows with a laid-back yet engaging style that has shades of Adam Sandler’s class clown energy. Her use of language and physicality set the scene wonderfully as she describes the place where she really shines: the dance floor of a straight wedding. Petts’ jokes about being the “king of the children” and her other wedding shenanigans are some of my favorites of Gender Agenda.

Brooklyn-based stand-up and youngest-ever SNL writer Asha Ward brings a much more serene, deadpan energy to the mic than Petts. Her jokes tend to sneak up on you, and while her set isn’t the most consistently funny of the bunch, her loosey goosey structure and stoner comedy sensibilities are undeniably charming. Ward’s casual observations about working at a children’s dentist or teaching improv at a Jewish summer camp are definite highlights of the set.

Canadian comic DeAnne Smith veers as far away from Ward’s calm as possible, bounding on stage with the eagerness of a Jack Russell Terrier just let off the leash. Elements of their set can teeter on cloying, like their description of anxiety, but the jokes get better as their performance goes on. Their confidence and hilarious bit about their top surgery won me over.

Portland’s Mx. Dahlia Belle starts out her set with a PSA of sorts, setting the tone for what is essentially a dirty and utterly funny lecture. Her logical, matter-of-fact delivery mixed with her penchant for the lewd makes for one of the best closing jokes of Gender Agenda. Belle also serves up an excellent criticism of people who claim cis is a slur; not only does she effectively illustrate her point, but she’ll have you in stitches.

London-based writer and comic Krishna Istha’s performance art background is apparent in their unhurried, deliberate delivery. Istha’s comedy is cerebral, making you second guess your assumptions about the world around you. They don’t take themselves too seriously, though, always happy to turn their barbed sense of humor on themselves.

And speaking of unhurried deliveries—no one savors a pause like poet and stand-up Alok. The Texan writer’s set is neatly crafted, but their performance is what really grabs the viewer. Alok relishes every word, and certain moments—like their distinctive pronunciation of “triumph”—reminded me of Ilana Glazer at her very best. Their commitment to the bit is unparalleled.

With its heady mix of comedic styles and senses of humor, Gender Agenda is a surefire way to find your favorite new stand-up.

Clare Martin is a cemetery enthusiast and Paste’s assistant comedy editor. Go harass her on Twitter @theclaremartin.