Montreal charity comedy show on 2SLGBTQ+ and immigrant struggles

On Sunday, Sept. 10, comedians Raquel Maestre and Elie Gill are collaborating on a charity comedy show called ‘The Pretempress Comedy Show,’ set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. at the Diving Bell Social Club in Montreal.

Frustrated by the lack of public support for the trans community, Maestre and Gill created the event in collaboration with AGIR Montréal, a non-profit dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQ+ migrants and refugees in Montreal.

Fans of witty, dry humour and alternative comedy are in for a treat for Sunday’s comedy night. The show does not shy away from sensitive topics such as family abuse, sexual assault, transphobia and racism, even giving a content warning to attendees, which Maestre says is ‘real life’ for many people.

“We thought if we put on a show together, we could give people a different perspective on these issues,” said the show’s co-producer Elie Gill.

“We’re nothing to be afraid of, and we’re not sinister, and we tell jokes that anyone can laugh at.”

“I talk a lot about my experience as a trans immigrant,” said Maestre, who is originally from Spain. “Not only from a personal point of view, but also making fun at the discourse around it and what society, politicians, and the media say about people like me, a trans persona and immigrant.”

Maestre produces ‘A Very Pretentious Comedy Show,” which puts a satire spin on heavy themes such as the politics of sexuality.

“It’s alternative to 80s mainstream comedy,” said Gill, who also produces The Empress Comedy Show where she talks more on the experience of Asian immigrant women. “A lot of the stuff at that time is going on stage and making fun of your wife, your girlfriend.”

“We want to talk about things that could challenge people.”

“Things that challenge people about their own beliefs, about politics,” Gill explained.

Some of the city’s finest comedians are performing at the charity show, including Kě Xīn Li, Yumi Blake, Shawn Stenhouse, Mike Carrozza, Molly Brisebois, Dana Saleh, and Sandy El Bitar. Tickets can be purchased for $15.