Comedy, Community, and Resistance: Lambda Legal Launches “Stand Up for Equality” in Beverly Hills

By Vic Gerami

At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are once again under sustained political and cultural attack, Lambda Legal is turning to one of the community’s most enduring tools for survival and resistance: laughter.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the nation’s oldest and largest legal organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV will debut its inaugural Stand Up for Equality event at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The evening promises not only top-tier comedy, but also a powerful show of solidarity and support for Lambda Legal’s ongoing fight for civil rights through litigation, education, and policy advocacy.

Headlining the night are Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster Tig Notaro, alongside stand-up comedian and storyteller Matteo Lane. Both performers are widely recognized for blending humor with vulnerability, challenging audiences to laugh while confronting deeply personal and political truths.

They will be joined by a dynamic and diverse lineup of performers that reflects the depth and breadth of queer comedy today. Legendary cult favorite Dina Martina will take the stage alongside rising voices Roz Hernandez, known for the podcast Ghosted, and Rachel Scanlon of Two Dykes and A Mic. Additional performers include Talk Show The Game Show star Guy Branum, the sharp-witted Solomon Georgio, and comedian, activist, and Out 100 honoree Dana Goldberg. More performers are expected to be announced.

Produced by Emmy-nominated producer Page Hurwitz, Stand Up for Equality is designed as both a celebration and a call to action. The event will feature stand-up comedy, musical performances, and celebrity presenters, creating an evening that centers joy while underscoring urgency.

“Even in the darkest of times, LGBTQ+ people have found ways to dance and laugh and express joy,” said Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings. “Stand Up for Equality follows in that tradition, and offers our community a night to both stand up to an implacable opposition that wants to shove us back into the closet and to literally laugh in their faces.”

Jennings emphasized that activism is inseparable from queer culture and history. “Activism isn’t a sidebar for our community; it’s part of our survival, expression, and our legacy. We must all rise to meet this moment.”

For Tig Notaro, the decision to participate was rooted in Lambda Legal’s long track record of impact. “I like organizations that do the work instead of talking about doing the work,” Notaro said. “Lambda Legal has done the work for decades.”

Hurwitz echoed that sentiment, highlighting the significance of visibility and collective action at a time of mounting hostility toward LGBTQ+ people. “In a moment when LGBTQ+ visibility is under renewed threat in many parts of the country and the world, it is wonderful that Tig Notaro, Matteo Lane, and all of the comedians joining us are taking the stage in support of Lambda Legal,” Hurwitz said. “We appreciate the organization’s critically important work fighting for dignity, equality, and safety for our community.”

Proceeds from Stand Up for Equality will directly support Lambda Legal’s efforts to defend LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV against discrimination, rollbacks in healthcare access, attacks on bodily autonomy, and attempts to erase queer and trans existence from public life.

Founded more than five decades ago, Lambda Legal has been at the forefront of landmark civil rights cases, shaping protections that millions now rely on. As the legal landscape grows increasingly hostile, the organization’s work remains as vital as ever.

In Beverly Hills this March, laughter will do more than entertain. It will raise funds, build community, and remind audiences that joy itself can be an act of resistance.

Tickets, sponsorship information, and additional performer details are available through Lambda Legal’s official channels.

For additional information about the performers who are a part of STAND UP FOR EQUALITY, click HERE.

For tickets click HERE.

For sponsorship information click HERE.