New York’s funniest LGBTQ performers take the stage for a one-night-only celebration of queer comedy, community, and joy.

Hosted by Bobby Hankinson, Kweendom is an all-LGBTQ comedy show featuring some of the city’s sharpest queer comedians and storytellers. Born from Hankinson’s frustration with lineups lacking authentic queer representation, Kweendom centers a wide range of LGBTQ voices—spanning gender identities, cultures, and backgrounds—each sharing their distinct experiences through stand-up.

Presented as part of the Library’s Pride Month celebrations, Hankinson and special guests come together for a laugh-out-loud evening where queer stories and perspectives take center stage.

Featuring:

• Zach Zimmerman


• Lorena Russi


• Calvin Cato


• Veronica Garza


• Tessa Skara


• Ren Q. Dawe


• Jonnea Herman

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For LIVE from NYPL events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment; we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Bobby Hankinson is a writer, performer and full-time homosexual. Since 2015, Bobby has hosted KWEENDOM, a monthly all-LGBTQ+ Brooklyn comedy show TimeOUT NY called "consistently dope" and Thrillist described as "extremely gay." In 2021, he curated and edited, Welcome to Kweendom, a book of essays from LGBTQ+ writers, published by Wheatfield Press with an introduction by actor Alan Cumming. Bobby has performed all over the country at venues including Broadway Comedy Club, The Bell House, Punchline Philly, Black Cat DC, Hartford Funny Bone, Laugh Boston and more. His writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle, VICE, Gothamist, amNewYork and on leading LGBTQ+ news sources, Towleroad.com and Gay City News.

READ MORE:

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog

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If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs. 

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund, and the support of Library patrons and friends.

Bobby Hankinson © Mindy Tucker