Hello friend. 2026 is threatening to be another big nightmare, but one thing I’m excited about for 2026 is The Joy Who Lived performance festival. I founded this comedy/theater festival last year as a way to get more trans folks on stages telling their stories, and this year I am the artistic director blessed with a group of incredible volunteers.

Last year the festival had more than 30 performances, and we have another full lineup planned this coming March 31st through April 12th. As you can imagine, we’re big on access and inclusivity so you—and people around the world—will also be able to watch many performances online.

It's unusual for artists to be able to put up a show for free, and our community especially is full of wonderful overworked, underpaid folks who have a hard time getting into the "normal" systems of sharing their art and ideas. That's why I care so much about what we do!

If you have any resources to share, I hope you’ll support our efforts this year. While we’re working hard as volunteers, we also are trying to raise $50,000 for tech, venues, live-stream tech, low-cost classes and workshops, and more. This is an instance where every single donation of any amount REALLY helps! We’re trans…we know how to stretch a dollar—and donations like yours cover costs so that we can give all the ticket revenue directly to trans producers and performers to tell their stories.

I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about the festival and additional ways to get involved. If you might like to sponsor something specific (and put your name on it!)—like a wrap party space rental, the playbills, the licensing rights for our all-trans production of Seussical the musical—just let me know and I’ll put you in touch with our external engagement lead, Chloe Corcoran!

Thanks for your support!

Laser

The Joy Who Lived

A month of stand-up, sketch, new plays, readings, and more—in Los Angeles and live-streamed to your house! Support trans art and joy by attending The Joy Who Lived!