Tom Ammiano (He/Him) Queer

Comedian, activist, teacher, and former San Francisco Supervisor and State Assemblymember, Tom Ammiano began doing stand‑up in 1980. In 1982, he pioneered Gay Comedy Night at the Valencia Rose Cabaret—the first space in the Bay Area dedicated to queer comedians—to create a place where queer voices could flourish. Over a career spanning four decades in public service, Tom has championed LGBTQ+ rights, education reform, labor justice, and housing equity—and stayed funny doing it. His storytelling blends sharp wit and lived experience, making him a legendary voice in both comedy and politics.

Julia Jackson (She/Her) Queer, Lesbian

Julia Jackson is a rising queer comedian whose sharp, socially attuned comedy has made waves on the Bay Area scene and beyond. She’s performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was a semi-finalist in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition. With a voice that explores identity, community, and connection, Julia brings thoughtful humor that’s as impactful as it is entertaining.

Wonder Dave (he/him) Queer

Wonder Dave is the longtime host of Safe Words and a staple of the Bay Area comedy scene. With a background in stand-up, storytelling, and slam poetry, he’s known for bringing warmth, chaos, and quick-witted charm to every stage he graces.

Originally from Minneapolis, Wonder Dave has toured nationally, performing everywhere from comedy clubs and colleges to cabarets, conventions, and even bowling alleys. He co-produces Safe Words and SMILF (Straight Men I’d Like to Friend) with Jonah Price, and also produces and hosts Mental Health Comedy Hour with Kristee Ono, Hysteria Open Mic for Women and Queers, and Ruckus and Rumpus Revival with Jamie DeWolf. You can also catch him as a commentator for Oakland’s underground wrestling phenom, Hoodslam.

Binya Kóatz (she/her) Trans, Queer

Binya Kóatz is a trans Jewish comedian—but don’t hold it against her. Originally from Queens, NY (where all the best queens are from), she’s currently straddling the Bay Area and Montréal comedy scenes, performing in gay bars, straight bars, and any bisexual bar her agent can find.

A frequent face on the Safe Words stage, Binya’s smart, subversive, and unapologetically queer comedy has made her a standout voice in our community. She’s also one of the creators and cast members behind Perversity, Equity & Inclusion (PEI), a satirical DEI-themed show we were proud to host earlier this year. Beyond stand-up, Binya occasionally appears in drag as Auntie Semitism, running sold-out Zoom shows with the Milk & Meat Queer Jewish Comedy Collective.

We’re thrilled to welcome her back to Safe Words for a night of rebellious Pride joy.

Nebulous Niang (she/her) Queer, Lesbian

Nebulous Niang is Singapore’s biggest lesbian — her words, and honestly, it tracks. A breakout voice in queer comedy, Nebulous blends candid storytelling, cultural commentary, and sharp humor to explore everything from intergenerational family dynamics to Gen Z parenting. Her one-woman show SLOMOSEXUAL brings her signature wit to audiences in both Asia and the U.S., and she’s a rising star of the Edinburgh Free Fringe.

Whether unpacking late-blooming queerness or the absurdity of Singaporean social norms, Nebulous brings a fresh, international perspective to the Safe Words stage for Pride. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the lineup.

SPECIAL GUEST RACE BANNON (he/him) Gay

🎟️ VIP Tickets & Pay What You Can General Seating — support the mission in the way that works for you.

🍸 21+ | Accessible venue | Come early, stay late.

About Safe Words

Safe Words is San Francisco’s longest-running queer comedy showcase, held monthly at The Eagle. Each show is carefully curated to highlight both emerging talent and seasoned voices from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Our goal is to create a space where queer and trans performers can take the stage without compromise—and where queer audiences feel seen, celebrated, and safe.

Whether it’s your first show or your fiftieth, welcome to the room. We’re glad you’re here.

Queer Pride Art Mart

This Pride, we’re giving you one more reason to swing by SF Eagle: the Queer Pride Art Mart — a pop-up marketplace of work by queer makers and artists, running before, during, and after our LAUGH RIOT comedy showcase.

Come browse. Come buy. Put money directly in queer artists’ pockets this Pride.

✨ Paintings, drawings, stickers, gear, shirts, and more.
✨ Perfect for bringing home a one-of-a-kind Pride souvenir
(or scoring gifts for friends and chosen family).
✨ No fee, no commission — every dollar goes straight to the artists.

Open to everyone — you don’t need a comedy show ticket to visit the Art Mart!

Come early to shop, swing by during the show, or stay late and explore art during the post-show DJ set with Seattle’s Andy Iwancio.

The Art Mart and show both take place inside the SF Eagle — 21+ venue.

Pro tip: Arrive early or stick around late for the best chance to explore the full range of work and support the artists in person.

After Party with DJ Andy Iwancio

When the comedy wraps, the party’s just getting started.

Join us inside SF Eagle for a special Pride After Party featuring beats from Seattle DJ Andy Iwancio — spinning a high-energy, queer-forward set to keep the night moving.

No ticket required for the After Party — the bar remains open to all (21+).
Whether you’ve been at the show, dropped by for the Art Mart, or are rolling in late-night, you’re welcome to join the fun.

Expect:
🎶 Danceable queer anthems & deep cuts
🎶 A crowd that flows between the patio and bar all night
🎶 Art Mart still open — last call to support local queer makers
🎶 Plenty of room to celebrate and close out Pride weekend right

Stick around. Dance it out. Support queer artists. Celebrate community.

📅 Wednesday, March 26th | ⏰ 7 PM | 📍 SF Eagle | 🎟 Pay What You Can & VIP Tickets Available

San Francisco’s longest-running queer comedy showcase, Safe Words, is back with another night of side-splitting stand-up at SF Eagle! This month’s Queer, As in Funny edition features a stellar lineup of LGBTQ+ comedians bringing the heat, the wit, and the unexpected.

🌟 Headliner: Chelsea Bearce – A powerhouse on stage, Chelsea’s comedy is sharp, smart, and downright hilarious.

🎤 With performances by:
🔥 Tessie Chua – Quick-witted, bold, and always a crowd favorite.
🔥 Andre Margatini – Clever, charismatic, and ready to make you laugh.
🔥 Nova – A fresh comedic voice with razor-sharp observations.

🎤 Hosted by Wonder Dave! – Your favorite comedy ringmaster keeps the energy high and the laughs rolling.

This is a Pay What You Can event, but VIP tickets are available for those who want the best seats and exclusive perks! Grab your friends, claim a spot, and enjoy a night of unapologetically queer comedy in a welcoming and rowdy space.

SafeWords BLACKOUT Returns x Laugh in Color

BLACKOUT RETURNS! This Black History Month, Team Wonder Dave and Laugh in Color are bringing back one of our most electrifying events—SafeWords BLACKOUT—a powerhouse lineup of Black comedians ready to shake the stage with sharp, boundary-pushing comedy.

As part of Laugh in Color’s month-long celebration of Black stand-up, this is just one of many can’t-miss events happening across the Bay. And if you love a mix of comedy and drag, don’t forget to check out LAUGH IN COLOR x Castro Comedy Cabaret, happening earlier in the month!

📅 Date & Time:

📍 San Francisco Eagle
📆 Wednesday, February 26th
⏰ 7:00 PM Doors | 7:30 PM Show
🎤 Hosted by Jalisa Robinson
🌟 Headliner: Marcus Williams

Featuring:

🔥 Jalisa Robinson - Leading the night with wit and energy
🎭 Marcus Williams - Taking the spotlight as our headliner
✨ Cynthia in Public - Serving comedy with a side of truth
💥 Ava LaShay - Bringing the laughs once again
🎙 Becky Lynn - Back on stage and ready to slay

This isn’t just another comedy show—it’s a celebration, a statement, and a damn good time. Don’t miss this chance to support Black comedians and experience a night of unforgettable comedy.

🎟 Secure your spot now—come laugh, cheer, and turn up with us!

SAFE WORDS QUEER COMEDY SHOWCASE AT FLUID510

Join us at Fluid510 for a night of unforgettable comedy featuring a lineup that captures the heart and humor of our diverse LGBTQ+ community. Experience the warmth, laughter, and connection that define Safe Words Comedy Showcase.

WHEN:
Wednesday, January 29th
7:00 PM Doors | 7:30 PM Show

WHERE:
Fluid510
1544 Broadway
Oakland, CA

TICKETS:
Pay What You Can: Suggested Price $15-$25
Your ticket goes directly to producing the show, paying our comedians, and fulfilling our mission to create safe spaces for queer audiences while accelerating the careers of queer comedians.

SPECIALS:

• Two-Item Minimum: Fluid510 requires a two-item minimum for all attendees. Whether it’s a cocktail, mocktail, or snack from their fantastic menu, there’s something for everyone!

• Wine Wednesday: Enjoy half-off bottles of wine all night long!

ABOUT SAFE WORDS COMEDY SHOWCASE
Safe Words is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of queer hilarity, inclusivity, and unity. Every month, we bring together the best established and emerging queer comedians to deliver a show that’s as empowering as it is entertaining.

As a premier queer comedy event, Safe Words has been featured in the Bay Area Reporter and highlighted on the Stereotypes podcast. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to support, this showcase offers a space to laugh, connect, and celebrate the vibrancy of queer comedy.

FOLLOW US:
Stay up to date with our shows and behind-the-scenes magic on Instagram at @safewordscomedy.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a night of empowering queer comedy that promises to leave you laughing and inspired. Let’s fill the night with joy, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of Safe Words Comedy Showcase!

San Francisco, get ready! 🎉 Safe Words Comedy Showcase is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary Extrava-Ganzah with an incredible night of queer comedy on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7 PM at the iconic SF Eagle!

This special show features the brilliant Mx. Dahlia Belle (Netflix), a standout comedian, writer, and one of the stars of Hannah Gadsby’s critically acclaimed Gender Agenda Netflix special. Dahlia is the second performer from this groundbreaking series to grace the Safe Words stage, following the unforgettable DeAnne Smith in 2024. You won’t want to miss her unique, razor-sharp wit live!

The celebration doesn’t stop there. We’re bringing you a powerhouse lineup of comedians, all visiting from out of town during Sketchfest! This means you can expect an evening of exceptional talent, featuring both new and returning faces that are guaranteed to leave you laughing.

Here’s the lineup:

• Riley McCarthy

• Geneva Rust-Orta

• Nina Nguyen

• D’Lo

And keeping the party going is your host, the incomparable Wonder Dave, who’s been at the heart of Safe Words Comedy Showcase since day one.

Pay what you can! Secure your tickets now and be part of the celebration of San Francisco’s longest-running queer comedy showcase. Let’s make this anniversary unforgettable! 🌈✨

A Special Safe Words You Won’t Want to Miss!

Safe Words is taking SF Sketchfest by storm, bringing you an exclusive night of laughter and empowerment featuring an all-star lineup of queer comics, including some incredible out-of-town talent you wouldn’t normally get to see on our stage!

Join us Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the cozy and intimate Lost Church for a special edition of Safe Words, the Bay Area’s beloved queer comedy showcase dedicated to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices.

This one-night-only event is your chance to experience the magic of Safe Words alongside rockstar comedians from across the country:
🎤 Rachelle Cochran – Silly, loud, and unforgettable! She’s opened for Cameron Esposito and Jay Jurden.
🎤 Ren Q. Dawe – A genderqueer prankster and organizer of the Colorado Queer Comedy Festival, featured coast to coast.
🎤 Nora Jefferies – Brooklyn-based comedian touring nationwide with sharp, hilarious observations.
🎤 Joe John Sanchez III – Portland’s neurotic and adorable producer of top LGBTQIA+ comedy showcases.
🎤 Jonny Stein – Oakland’s comedy standout featured in Don’t Tell Comedy and Sirius XM.

And of course, the show will be hosted by Safe Words’ very own Wonder Dave, who’s been lighting up stages from comedy clubs to bowling alleys with his unique mix of wit and charm.

Why This Show Is Special

SF Sketchfest is the ultimate comedy festival, and this is your chance to see Safe Words go bigger and bolder than ever. With a lineup like this, it’s a rare opportunity to experience both the incredible local talent you know and love and amazing queer comedians from around the country who you might not otherwise get to see in the Bay Area.

Details:
📍 Location: The Lost Church
📅 Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now!

Don’t wait – grab yours and join us for this unforgettable night of queer comedy.

Celebrate the vibrant diversity of LGBTQIA+ comedy and see why Safe Words is making waves at SF Sketchfest! 🌈✨