For decades, female comedians have faced a distinct challenge in the world of stand-up comedy: the pressure to be funny without stepping outside the socially acceptable boundaries that have traditionally been imposed on women. One of the most notable arenas where this battle has played out is in the realm of sex and sexuality. Historically, men have dominated the discussion of sex in comedy, with jokes about their sexual conquests, their prowess, and their debauched behaviors being celebrated as a rite of passage. Women, on the other hand, were often expected to present themselves as modest, demure, and largely uninterested in overtly discussing their sexual lives.
However, over the last two decades, a new wave of female comedians has emerged, confidently breaking through these societal barriers with bold, unapologetic humor about sex, desire, and everything in between. Comedians like Chelsea Handler, Hannah Berner, and Nikki Glaser have used their platforms not only to entertain but also to challenge and reshape the way we think about women talking about sex in public spaces.
Chelsea Handler: Paving the Way for Bold Female Humor
Chelsea Handler’s journey from stand-up comedian to late-night talk show host has been marked by a consistent, fearless approach to addressing sex and relationships. Handler’s humor is often characterized by its brashness, self-awareness, and a take-no-prisoners attitude toward gender norms. From her early stand-up specials to her hit TV show Chelsea Lately, Handler has consistently used her platform to talk about sex without shame, presenting herself as someone who openly embraces her sexuality.
In her 2023 Netflix special, Chelsea Handler: Revolution, Handler takes things even further. In this special, she explores her evolution, from navigating the dating scene in her 40s to addressing her own personal growth in the face of loss. Handler speaks candidly about her sexual experiences, touching on everything from one-night stands to her candid reflections on aging. But it’s not just about sex for the sake of shock value—she’s using humor to empower women to embrace their sexual autonomy and rewrite the narrative around female desire. Handler has long been a trailblazer, and Revolution proves that she’s still a leader in the conversation about sex and women’s liberation.
Hannah Berner: A New Voice in Sex-Positive Comedy
Hannah Berner, known for her role on Summer House and her podcast Berning In Hell, brings a unique perspective to the conversation about women and sex. What sets Berner apart is her ability to blend her comedic talents with a more nuanced, sex-positive approach. In her debut comedy special, We Ride at Dawn, Berner strikes a perfect balance between humor and emotional honesty, addressing topics like online dating, body image, and the highs and lows of modern relationships.
Berner doesn’t just joke about sex for shock value—she uses humor to explore the emotional and societal complexities surrounding intimacy. For example, she discusses the awkwardness of first dates, the confusion of modern hookups, and how society treats women’s sexuality as something to be judged. In a refreshing twist, Berner turns the expected into the unexpected by portraying her experiences as an empowered woman taking control of her love life. In doing so, she encourages her audience to reflect on their own relationships with sex, while simultaneously making them laugh. Berner’s approach highlights the importance of sex-positive comedy that is both empowering and entertaining.
Nikki Glaser: Using Comedy to Take Control of the Narrative
Nikki Glaser has long been known for her no-holds-barred approach to sex and relationships. Glaser’s career has largely centered around her candidness in discussing everything from her sexual experiences to body image issues. Her 2020 HBO Max special, Bangin', further solidified her as one of the most prominent voices in the world of sex-positive comedy. In Bangin', Glaser lays bare her personal stories with her trademark sharp wit, turning what could be an uncomfortable conversation into one of vulnerability and empowerment.
But Glaser’s impact extends beyond her stand-up specials. At the 2023 Comedy Central Roast of Tom Brady, she delivered a roast that was as cutting as it was hilarious, making pointed remarks about Brady’s personal life and bringing her fearless, sex-positive comedy to a broader audience. Her ability to joke about sex in a way that’s both frank and funny has become her signature, and her unapologetic humor makes her an important figure in breaking down long-standing taboos.
Glaser’s latest special, dives deeper into the messy, complicated nature of modern relationships. From navigating the world of online dating to discussing how women’s bodies are often seen through a critical lens, she continues to take on topics that many might shy away from. In this special, she not only talks about her sexual experiences but also addresses the societal pressure to maintain a certain image, embracing her imperfections with a sense of humor and confidence that resonates deeply with audiences. By blending sharp observations with raw honesty, Glaser is carving out a space where women can be unapologetically sexual, without fear of judgment.
Shifting the Narrative
The rise of these comedians marks a fundamental shift in how women talk about sex in comedy. No longer are female comedians expected to be coy, reserved, or apologetic about their sexuality. Instead, comedians like Handler, Berner, and Glaser are proving that women can be funny, confident, and sexually liberated—without having to conform to societal expectations of what is considered “appropriate” for women to discuss.
This shift is particularly significant because it encourages a broader cultural conversation about sexual agency and empowerment. By using their platform to discuss sex openly and without shame, these comedians are creating spaces for women to feel more comfortable with their own sexualities, challenging outdated taboos, and making it clear that women’s voices, including those related to sex, are just as valuable and entertaining as men’s.
In the end, the way women talk about sex in comedy today is not just about making people laugh—it’s about changing the narrative. By embracing their sexuality with humor, boldness, and authenticity, female comedians are opening the door for more honest, inclusive conversations about sex, identity, and the ways in which women can define their own experiences, both on and off the stage. The future of female comedy is undoubtedly bright, and it’s clear that the conversation around sex will only continue to evolve as more women embrace the power of their voices.