National Coming Out Day is recognized every year on October 11 as a time to recognize LGBTQIA+ visibility, identity, community, and self-expression. For colleges and universities, it can also be an opportunity to bring students together through live entertainment, comedy, spoken word, and storytelling.

But LGBTQIA+ programming goes well beyond National Coming Out Day. Booking artists that bring relevant voices and create experiences centered around community, connection, creativity, entertainment, and belonging is perfect throughout the year, from Pride Month and orientation to cultural celebrations, comedy nights, student organization events, and special programs. Here are some great live entertainment ideas for your upcoming programming.

1. Comedian Sam Morrison

Sam Morrison brings high-energy comedy, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs to the stage. Originally from Florida, Sam found his home performing at New York City’s premier comedy clubs before taking his comedy to audiences around the country.

After amassing millions of views online, Sam made his television debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers. He has since appeared on Comedy Central Featuring, The Drew Barrymore Show, and RuPaul’s DragCon. His solo show Sugar Daddy, presented by Billy Porter and Alan Cumming, extended Off-Broadway four times and was named “The best new show in New York” by The Daily Beast.

Sam‘s energetic style makes him a great choice for National Coming Out Day Entertainment, college comedy events, Pride celebrations, festivals, and other live events.

“Truly laugh-out-loud, doubled-up, head-thrown-back funny.” – The Daily Beast

2. Comedian Lady Bushra

Lady Bushra is the British South Asian drag comedy character created by Amir Dean. Originally from Bradford, UK, and now based in Los Angeles, Lady Bushra combines sharp observational humor, political satire, cultural commentary, audience interaction, and improvisation.

Webby Award nominated and shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award, Lady Bushra brings a distinctive perspective to identity, culture, current affairs, and everyday life. Her interactive comedy makes her a memorable choice for National Coming Out Day Entertainment, Pride events, campus programs, cultural celebrations, and comedy showcases.

3. Spoken Word Artist Ebo Barton

Ebo Barton is a mixed Black and Filipino, transgender and non-binary, queer artist, educator, and activist whose work explores identity, healing, community, and social change. Their work has appeared in Natasha Marin’s Black Imagination and its audiobook, narrated by Grammy and Tony Award winner Daveed Diggs. Ebo‘s poetry has also been featured on Write About Now, Button Poetry, and All Def Poetry.

In 2016, Ebo placed fifth in the world at the Individual World Poetry Slam and later co-wrote and co-produced the award-winning play Rising Up. Their first poetry collection, Insubordinate, was released in 2020 and named a Washington State Book Award finalist in 2021. Ebo brings poetry, performance, and activism to college programs, Pride events, workshops, conferences, and community celebrations.

4. Spoken Word Artist Gabriel Ramirez

Gabriel Ramirez is a Queer Afro-Latinx poet, activist, and teaching artist whose work explores mental health, Afro-Latinidad, self-love, masculinity, social change, and the African Diaspora.

Gabriel has performed at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, the United Nations, Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theatre, and universities across the country. Their combination of poetry, storytelling, and performance makes them a great option for National Coming Out Day Entertainment, as well as Pride events, educational programs, conferences, workshops, and community events.

5. Comedian Sunny Laprade

New York City-based Sunny Laprade is a standup comedian, storyteller, and viral internet creator with more than 15 million TikTok likes and over 250,000 followers across social platforms. Her comedy covers dating, working in television, and her experiences as a queer transgender woman.

Sunny also has extensive college event experience. She has produced and hosted campus comedy shows, founded the Five College Comedy Festival, and created her 75-minute comedy special Queer Enough. She performs throughout the country, bringing personal stories and comedy to audiences at colleges, Pride events, festivals, and special events.

6. Comedian Conor Janda

Conor Janda is a New York-based standup comedian who has been featured on Comedy Central, the New York Comedy Festival, and by Vulture. He recently had a residency on Atlantic Cruises.

Conor is also the co-creator of the Boys Club web series with his writing partner Nico Carney. He brings a contemporary comedy style to college events, Pride celebrations, comedy nights, festivals, conferences, and other live programs.

Beyond National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day can be a great starting point for LGBTQIA+ programming on campus, but there are plenty of opportunities to bring these artists to students throughout the year. The right performer can give students a chance to laugh, listen, connect, and experience live entertainment from artists with a range of identities and perspectives.

When planning LGBTQIA+ Event Ideas, consider the type of experience you want to create. A comedian can bring energy and laughter to a campus event, while a spoken word artist can create a more personal experience through poetry and storytelling. Artists can also be incorporated into larger Pride programs, cultural celebrations, orientation programming, conferences, and student organization events.

Whether you’re planning for National Coming Out Day in October or looking ahead to the rest of the academic year, these artists offer different ways to bring LGBTQIA+ voices and experiences to campus.

Contact Neon Entertainment to learn more about booking these artists or finding the right live entertainer for your next event!