It’s a topic that many people would be afraid of including in a comedy set, as it can be seen as political and a turn off for some audience. But when it comes to talking about abortion in a stand-up comedy set, comedian Joyelle Nicole Johnson is not afraid of sharing her own abortion story, given what is currently happening in the United States with regard to abortion and reproductive rights in general (we are going backward). If the personal is political, as goes the saying, then Joyelle is in for the fight and will still leave you in stitches after her set.
She recently hosted the Brigid Alliance‘s annual gala. An organization that helps people who need to travel out of state to get an abortion, Joyelle rocked up to the event armed with a cute gold purse that boldly stated “abortion is normal” while she posed for paparazzi on the red carpet. In an era where legislators across the U.S. are working overtime to punish and criminalize anyone seeking an abortion, it is a breath of fresh air to see more and more abortion rights advocates use their platforms to share personal stories, and remind people of the power they have in their own voice.
And as Joyelle shows us, abortion doesn’t have to be talked about in a sad or depressing way. In fact, she is determined to bring some uninhibited JOY to her stage even when it comes to combining comedy with social impact messages.
The Tl;dr message is: don’t put Joyelle in a box because she has a wide range of content that will leave you ROFL for days, then coming back for more! She is a rising star in comedy and lauded by Vulture as a “Comedian To Know“, having captivated audiences with her appearances on HBO’s ‘Crashing’, ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’, ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, opening up for Hasan Minhaj’s ‘Patriot Act’ on Netflix as well as writing for the final season of the hit show ‘Broad City’ on Comedy Central. Her recent Peacock special, ‘Love Joy‘, further solidified her status as a comedic powerhouse.
Earlier this month, she appeared on OFTV’s stand-up series LMAOF, airing on May 27th, and available to watch on the platform now. We had the chance to get some digital one-on-one time with this stand-up Queen, where she dished on cancel culture, tying in activism with comedy, and what she wants audiences to immediately think of when you hear the name Joyelle Nicole Johnson.
You have been hailed as a “comedian to know” by Vulture, among other lauded publications. Tell us, what should we know about Joyelle Nicole Johnson to kick off this interview?
I cannot control my face no matter the situation. Some people wear their heart on their sleeve. I show my emotions on my face. The only way I can even attempt to try and control it is if you pay me.
We love the way you keep it real in your specials and many appearances on our fave shows. What are some of your fave topics to write about and riff on?
I love talking about being a Black Woman in America.
We’re excited to see you in OFTV’s stand-up series ‘LMAOF’ later this month. What can audiences expect, and how will your set be different for this show?
Expect funny and a comfortable ME onstage.
Can you tell us about your creative process of writing a set for a show like this, and how you fine-tune or test your jokes?
I am happy there were no restrictions for this set. I can work “clean” or not say certain words and jokes if I’m performing but I love it when I have no restrictions because it gives more freedom of thought onstage. I test by getting on stage and running the set as much as possible.
You recently hosted the Brigid Alliance gala, an organization which supports patients traveling for abortion (especially later abortion). Why is this cause important to you?
I’ve had an Abortion and I don’t want anyone to feel ashamed about that word and having had one. Period. Additionally, I had what I like to call a rich white lady Abortion because my mother (a nurse) knew the doctor, I was in a private office, I didn’t have to walk through a gauntlet of antis [anti-choice protestors who are known for standing outside clinics and harassing incoming patients] and I never saw a bill. I want everyone’s Abortion experience to be as easy, breezy and beautiful as mine.
Despite the horror show we live in right now for reproductive rights, there are still many people ashamed of or afraid of saying the word “abortion”. What would you say to push back on this, and why do we need to use the A-word more often instead of euphemisms?
Abortion is a medical procedure. I had a hysterectomy last year and I would never say the “H-word”. Normalizing a word that has so much stigma is important to me because everyone loves someone who has had an abortion. EVERYONE. And it’s been happening since the dawn of time and will always happen. I want all Abortions to be safe, accessible and without shame or guilt. Oh and FREE, I would love it if they were free.
Comedy is such a great vehicle for allowing people to hear about serious topics in a way that feels inviting or not-as overwhelming. How has comedy become an effective way for your advocacy and activism?
I’ve always loved making people laugh. But making someone laugh and think. Or laugh and feel seen. Or laugh and be mobilized to make change in their community. Those are the crossroads of comedy and activism.
Breaking into the top tier comedy circuit is hard work. Can you tell us some of the barriers you faced along the way, and how you navigated your way through these?
Is working with a known sexual predator a barrier? Comedy has traditionally been a straight white man’s world. I am only (sort of) one of those things. I honestly think my biggest barrier is my gender. Presently, I love that it sets me apart but maintaining mental peace and having to navigate the nuances of that in this crazy business has been a touch difficult. Therapy is the way, the truth and the light for life. That’s my favorite answer.
There are a number of comedians who talk about cancel culture or the way that certain jokes wouldn’t fly today because of “the times we live in”. What is your perspective on this?
I don’t think cancel culture is real. The comics who complain about not being able to say anything do that into podcast microphone with a ton of listeners and on stage in theaters and arenas. Consequences or critiques for your actions does not equal cancel culture in my opinion. And it seems to me like getting “canceled” is the best thing to happen to most of their careers.
When people hear the name Joyelle Nicole Johnson, what do you immediately want to come to mind?
Absolute uninhibited JOY!
Be sure to catch Joyelle’s appearance on LMAOF: New York HERE, exclusively on OFTV. Make sure you follow her on Instagram for even more great content, like this video below (we are dead!):
