Gay-Lesbian Comedy

As the founder and host of the “Gay and Lesbian Comedy Show” at the Comedy Store, I feel it necessary to repudiate some gross misinformation regarding our show that was fostered by Jan Breslauer’s “Heard the One About Lesbian Comics?” (July 18) and Budd Friedman’s letter (Aug. 8).

Both comic Lea DeLaria and Improv co-owner Friedman seem to miss the entire point of our show. While it obviously provides the only regularly scheduled weekly venue for gay, lesbian and bisexual comics at a prominent comedy showcase club in town, it also affords gays and lesbians a comfortable environment in which to socialize.

Regarding the claim that the comics on our show are “segregated in the little room” upstairs, nothing could be more off base. I and others perform openly gay in all of the Comedy Store’s three rooms--including the 500-seat-capacity Main Room and La Jolla Club. It might also be noted that not every comic on our show is gay or lesbian--our show has always included “gay-friendly” comics who happen to be straight.

It does seem that when the Improv features a gay and lesbian comics night, it is regarded as a special event. At the Comedy Store, gay and lesbian comedy is part of the club’s regular fare.

While I applaud Friedman’s efforts at finally including gay and lesbian comics on some of his shows, his spread of misinformation regarding our show cannot be tolerated.

BARRY STEIGER

Los Angeles