LGBTQTeeHee

LGBTQTeeHee! is a project about connection. It’s a project about laughter. It’s a project about fun!
We came together as a group of people in August with many different stories to tell. We have emerged as a community sharing these stories and finding light in the dark.

“I am enjoying being with like-minded people. I feel I can be myself. If I am having a bad mental health day, I know I will be understood.”
– Participant

“I have discovered a lot about myself. It’s a journey, not sure where it would lead. An adventure.”
– Participant

LGBTQTeeHee! is an innovative project which sees participants learn skills in stand-up comedy to help them process lived experience and turn it into self-affirming comedy performances. The project is designed to build mental health resilience as well as confidence and sparking joy. The project kicked off with a comedy masterclass in August 2024 and was followed by a 10-week programme through September to November.

The group are so grateful to both Birmingham Rep and Birmingham LGBT Centre for providing us the space to create this incredible work. The project is presented by the BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Partnership. Made possible thanks to the Inclusive Communities Fund.

Project Co-Creators: Rob Beck & Ant Gifford

Comedy Consultants: Angie Belcher & Dan Hagley

Special thanks to: Queer as Joke, Ali Belbin and Birmingham LGBT Centre

Photographer: Kris Askey

Videographer: Alex Bell

Mental Health & Wellbeing Practitioner: Nigel Bailey

Participants: Carolyn Sainsbury, Jak Matthews, Hol Thomas-Wrightson, Fynn O’Connor, Alexus Savage, Samantha Finch, Ben Allen