Montreal comics offer up alternative laughs in the name of diversity, inclusion

For comedian James Brown, attending and performing in mainstream comedy events hasn't always been a barrel of laughs.

The misogynistic, aggressive jokes that dotted the acts of some of the performers he shared a stage with crossed a line that often left Brown feeling more uncomfortable than entertained.

"I would perform at shows like that, and I didn't want my friends to come to them," the 22-year-old, who runs the eventswith his working partner John Michael Hanchar, said.

His solution was to create his own comedy event, Squad Laughs,that provides a safe space and promotes more diverse voices.

"We are trying to be funny, and there is nothing funny about someone feeling unsafe at our show," Brown said.

"If people feel respected and comfortable, they laugh harder."

'People are hungry for diversity'

Recent highly publicized misconduct allegations against key players in comedy have revealedan industry that is often fraught with sexism, homophobia and racism, Brown said.

Those allegations rocked the Montreal scene last fall when Just for Laughsco-founder GilbertRozonwas accused of sexual misconduct. Rozon, who was alsothe annual festival's majority shareholder, stepped down as head of the eventthat put Montreal on the map as a comedy hotspot.

Hehas denied the allegations. A deal to sell JFLtoAmerican companyICMPartners is now pending.

The spotlight nowshining on comedy's dark sidehas contributed to a shift in thescene, said Ben Sosa Wright, a comic who has performed at the bimonthly Squad Laughs eventsfor a year.

"I think, now, people are just hungry for diversity and representation on stage," he said, adding thathe's felt like the token gay comedian at some conventional shows.

Squad Laughsisn't the only show in town bringing in voices from outside the mainstream.

Trannavision, in which a Montreal comedian provides live commentary on a famous film, andStand Back, a monthly feminist and LGBTQ comedy hour, both showcase a medley of perspectives.

Diverse voices get people talking, comic says

Squad Laughs' mandate is to promote a representative lineup of diverse voices. For new performer Hannah Silver, those perspectives are inherently funnier.

"We grow up having to make light of our differences and how we're treated," Silver said.

But aiming for more diversity is not only beneficial to getting laughs and changing the culture it has also contributed to the success of Brown's show, he said.

"People are catching on that having a more diverse lineup at comedy shows means a more diverse crowd will show up, and people will start talking," Wrightsaid.