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What happens when you put an evangelical minister and a lesbian comedian together in a van? An event for anyone who believes that love and laughter can change the world.
Lamar Lounge, Wednesday, June 3rd, 7 pm
Expect a stand-up comedy show that stumbled upon a revival, and imagine it all happens in a bar. Bakker’s message of love and acceptance, balanced with Becker’s comedy often referred to as “bawdy and bold, served with a slice of southern charm” promises to be a night to remember.
Loosening the Bible Belt will not only serve as an entertaining night, but will also help create awareness for LGBTQ groups fighting the good fight in these southern states. A portion of proceeds from shows will be donated to groups working so all southern citizens have equal rights. Tickets are $10 in advance (LoosenTheBibleBelt.com) and $15 at the door.
Jay Bakker is a pastor, speaker and author of three books. His parents, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, were Christian royalty in the 1980s and Tammy Faye would later become a gay icon for her eye lashes and her early work with the gay community. Jay, following in her footsteps, is an LGBTQ rights advocate and fights for equality within the church. In 2012 Jay was honored to received PFLAG’s first ‘Strait for Equality in Faith Communities’ award. Today, he hosts a weekly podcast called “This is Radio Cast” where he discusses life with guests from all walks of life.
Kristen Becker has been entertaining people all over the US and Canada since 2001. A comedian who happens to also be an out lesbian, she consistently wins the hearts of all audiences, straight and gay alike, with her unapologetic humor. Her childhood, divided between the Rust Belt and the Deep South, has left her uniquely able to connect with all manner of people. Becker’s ability to win the affection of such a wide range of audiences is due to her understated southern charm juxtaposed against a raucous and powerful persona. An accomplished producer as well as performer, Becker founded the Dykes of Hazard comedy tour in 2006 to bring top notch comedy to small town gay bars in the south.
In 2012, her op-ed piece about LGBT equality in the deep south, “To the Louisiana I Know,” gained much momentum and helped push Becker towards her next bold move. Becker cultivated a comedy tour in the Pelican state called Becker on the Bayou to help promote awareness of HB199 Louisiana Non-Discrimination Act (LANA), which intended to provide legal protections for a multitude of people in the state. She also traveled to the state’s capital to testify on behalf of the bill, which will be brought before the Louisiana House again this year. Becker’s comedy has been described as “a slice of bawdy reality served with southern charm” and her “never bite the bullet” attitude, coupled with a keen eye for irony, leaves audiences—both gay and straight—ready for more. 
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This article was printed in The Local Voice #230 (published May 28, 2015).
To download the PDF of this issue, click here.
