Comedy as Resistance: The Here to Pee Tour Champions Trans Visibility

Artist Weekly Staff

The Here to Pee Tour is a groundbreaking comedy initiative that fuses humor with advocacy for transgender rights across the United States. Led by Ren Q. Dawe, a nationally touring comedian and trans rights activist, the tour sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals while building awareness, community, and resilience. By traveling to all 50 states, the Here to Pee Tour provides a platform for underrepresented voices in comedy, making a powerful statement that humor can be a vehicle for social change.

A Unique Mission to Empower Through Laughter

The Here to Pee Tour is more than just a series of comedy shows—it’s a platform for advocacy and visibility, especially for transgender individuals. Ren Q. Dawe, the tour’s creator, emphasizes the importance of humor as a tool for both empowerment and education, noting, “This tour is an attempt to use potty humor to bring attention to a larger, more menacing issue here: that trans people are constantly having to justify their legal right to occupy public space. We are here, we are queer, and we will always have the last laugh.”

This sentiment highlights the core mission of the tour: to challenge discrimination and foster understanding by disarming prejudice with laughter. Each performance creates a space where trans performers can connect with audiences and inspire positive change. The tour not only supports trans visibility but also encourages local activism by collaborating with LGBTQ+ nonprofits in each state, ensuring that its impact reaches beyond the comedy stage.

A National Journey and Local Impact

The Here to Pee Tour’s reach extends across the nation, with Ren Q. Dawe aiming to become the first transgender comedian to perform in every state. As the tour progresses, each stop becomes a unique opportunity to build awareness and fundraise for local LGBTQ+ organizations. By working closely with these nonprofits, the Here to Pee Tour supports local communities and strengthens the network of support for LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.

This nationwide journey is also a testament to the power of unity within the trans community. By bringing together a lineup of diverse trans comedians, the tour fosters solidarity and provides a platform for voices that are often underrepresented in comedy. This collaboration showcases the resilience and strength of the community, empowering both performers and audiences alike.

Disarming Prejudice Through Humor

Humor has long been a means of challenging societal norms and confronting uncomfortable truths, and the Here to Pee Tour is a perfect example of this approach. By addressing the serious issues faced by the trans community in a comedic format, the tour encourages audiences to reconsider biases and preconceptions. Through laughter, the Here to Pee Tour disarms prejudice and opens the door for empathy and understanding.

Ren Q. Dawe’s work is rooted in the belief that comedy can be a powerful form of resistance. As a well-known figure in the comedy scene and the founder of the Colorado Queer Comedy Festival, Dawe has dedicated their career to creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ performers. The Here to Pee Tour is a continuation of this vision, and the performances offer a safe space for audiences to engage with complex issues through humor.

Additional performers include Mx. Dahlia Belle, Ryan Cassata, Joe John Sanchez III, Juno Men, Carlos Kareem Windham, Charlie Girard, Fifi Dosch, and more.

“For me, the significance of this tour is to celebrate our shared humanity,” said Mx. Dahlia Belle, known from Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, “Each and every one of us is trying whatever we can to find a little joy, laughter, and a place to pee.”

Collaborations and Partnerships for Change

The Here to Pee Tour’s impact is magnified by its partnerships with various organizations. Sponsored by the FacialTeam Foundation, the tour has secured support to take its message nationwide. Additionally, the tour’s collaboration with local nonprofits at each stop creates a ripple effect, inspiring further activism within the community. These partnerships ensure that each performance leaves a lasting impression, not only through the laughter it generates but through the awareness and support it brings to the local LGBTQ+ community.

The tour’s journey will be documented by award-winning filmmaker Jeff Stonic, further amplifying its reach and preserving the experiences and insights of those involved. This documentary aims to capture the essence of the tour and serve as a testament to the resilience of the trans community. By documenting the tour’s journey, Stonic hopes to share the powerful message of the Here to Pee Tour with an even wider audience.

Ren Q. Dawe: A Pioneer in Comedy and Advocacy

Ren Q. Dawe’s influence as a comedian and advocate extends far beyond the Here to Pee Tour. With a history of accolades for their performances and activism, Dawe is a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ comedy scene. Their role as an outspoken advocate for trans rights adds depth to their performances, making each show both entertaining and enlightening. A new up-and-coming face in the entertainment world, Ren has already transfixed audiences all over the nation. In 2024 alone, they were featured in 16 comedy festivals and over 150 shows. Now, Dawe’s sights aren’t on the glitter of Hollywood or the grit of New York; their goal is to be the first transgender comedian to perform in all 50 states–-and to lift up trans activists nationally in the process.

As an advocate, Dawe recognizes the power of shared stories in building understanding. The Here to Pee Tour embodies this principle, giving trans comedians a platform to share their experiences and perspectives. This not only empowers the performers but also invites audiences to see the world from a new perspective, fostering empathy and acceptance.

Looking Ahead: Building a Lasting Legacy

Comedy as Resistance The Here to Pee Tour Champions Trans Visibility

With a goal to transform the landscape of comedy and advocacy, the Here to Pee Tour aims to leave a lasting impact. By combining comedy with activism, the tour has created a unique space for trans voices to be heard and respected. This initiative not only challenges stereotypes but also celebrates the diversity and resilience of the trans community.

The Here to Pee Tour’s legacy will be one of empowerment and unity. By traveling across the nation and collaborating with local organizations, the tour is building a foundation of support for trans individuals that will continue to inspire and uplift long after the final performance.