Queering Just for Laughts Comedy Festival
Whether you’re looking for high-camp drag, sharp-witted trans storytelling, or just a room where the vibes are impeccably inclusive, the 2026 Just For Laughs Vancouver lineup is delivering in a big way.
Vancouver has always had a thriving underground queer comedy scene, but this year, the festival is bringing that energy front and center. From RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty taking over the main stages to intimate, raw showcases at The Birdhouse, the "Funny is Funny" mantra is getting a fabulous, rainbow-hued upgrade.
If you’re looking to fill your festival calendar with performances that celebrate queer joy, subvert the status quo, and—most importantly—make you laugh until your face hurts, here is your ultimate guide to the must-see queer and queer-adjacent shows at JFL Vancouver this February.
For the 2026 Just For Laughs Vancouver festival (running February 12–22, 2026), there is a strong lineup of queer-led shows and LGBTQ+ performers.
Below are the most prominent queer and "queer-adjacent" performances based on the official schedule:
Explicitly Queer & LGBTQ+ Focused Shows
That's gay! comedy – Sunday, Feb 22 | 7:00 PM | Revue Stage
Hosted by Erin Purghart, this is Vancouver’s premier queer comedy showcase featuring a lineup of LGBTQ+ comedians.
Trans Girls: Raw and Uncut – Thursday, Feb 19 | 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM | The Birdhouse
A dedicated showcase for trans performers, held at The Birdhouse (a well-known queer-friendly venue in East Vancouver).
JIMBO’s Clown Town – Dates vary | Venue: Various
Starring Victoria’s own JIMBO (winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars). This is a high-energy, drag-infused comedy performance.
Drag Brunch with Dust Cwaine – Sunday, Feb 15 | 11:30 AM | R&B Brewing
A classic queer-adjacent experience combining drag performance with brunch.
camp! comedy! – Check schedule for dates | Venue: Various
Listed as part of the "Best of the West" series, this show typically leans into high-concept, theatrical, and "campy" humor.
Queer & Queer-Adjacent Headliners / Solo Shows
Michelle Buteau – Sunday, Feb 22 | 7:00 PM | Vogue Theatre
While Buteau is a vocal ally and "queen" of the scene, her shows are legendary for their inclusivity and massive queer following.
Rhys Nicholson – Check schedule | Venue: Various
An iconic non-binary Australian comedian (and judge on Drag Race Down Under) known for sharp, high-fashion, queer-centric stand-up.
Dylan Adler: Haus of Dy-lan – Wednesday, Feb 18 & Thursday, Feb 19 | 9:00 PM | Revue Stage
Adler is a breakout queer musical comedian known for high-octane performances and viral sketches.
Tranna Wintour: And Just Like That This Is Me Now – Check schedule
A prominent trans comedian and writer from Montreal bringing her solo hour to the festival.
Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain Tour – Sunday, Feb 15 | 8:00 PM | Vancouver Playhouse
Known for her "Ride" podcast and work with Benito Skinner (BSky), her comedy deeply intersects with modern queer culture.
Shows with Significant Queer Presence
Dropout Improv – Thursday, Feb 19 | 7:00 PM | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Featuring Vic Michaelis and other cast members from the Dropout.tv network, which is celebrated for its highly inclusive and queer-heavy roster.
Atsuko Okatsuka: The Big Bowl Tour – Saturday, Feb 21 | 7:00 PM | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Atsuko is a massive favorite within the LGBTQ+ community for her unique, offbeat style.
The Alternative Show (Hosted by Mark Little) – Late nights
Historically the "weirdest" show of the fest, it frequently features the most experimental and queer-coded acts on the lineup.
Many of the queer-specific shows (like Trans Girls: Raw and Uncut) are being held at The Birdhouse or Little Mountain Gallery, which are the primary hubs for alternative and inclusive comedy during the festival.