The "Not Just a Diversity Hire" Comedy Nights began when founder Yuki Nivez realized the demand for a comedy space that was free from misogyny, for both performers and audience members. She wanted to be able to take to the stage without having to hear that she was "the diversity hire". But she was also constantly hearing from audience members, especially women, that they couldn't enjoy themselves because of the sheer number of jokes or performances that, often unconsciously, created an environment of hostility towards women.
Yuki believed that comedy was supposed to be about having a good time and while openly aggressive or intentionally triggering comedy was uncommon, she saw how there was an entire segment of the audience that wanted to enjoy comedy without having to confront the same sexism that they had to endure during their day-to-day life. Without seeking to censor the comedy of others, she decided to see what would happen if she curated a line-up and a space where the audience and the performers could feel free from those attitudes for an evening.
And guess what?
Everyone had a good time.
Since then, the show has grown to offer an inclusive venue to comedians of all kinds, but especially to those who know what it's like to be treated as "the diversity hire." While spectators can continue to rely on not having to hear misogynistic material, performers can expect a friendly audience who will let them be comedians and not categories.
Yuki's goals for the future of NJaDH will continue to be comedy without misogyny, and inclusion without tokenism.
