10 Minutes With…Suzanne Westenhoefer

The openly gay comedian's tour stops here

Photo by Adam Bouska

As the first openly gay comedian to appear on television, Suzanne Westenhoefer, a Lancaster County native, is making a stop on her new comedy tour Totally Inappropriate at The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville on Oct. 23 (8 p.m.). She’s perhaps best known for appearances on HBO, Bravo and Logo, and currently stars in We Have to Stop Now, a web series about two lesbian therapists struggling to stay married. As she ended her stint during Women’s Week in Provincetown, Westenhoefer e-mailed G Philly about her closeted nerdiness, love of Tastykakes and why bullying is never cool.

You’ve been entertaining gay and lesbian audiences for years. Does the humor ever change?

Standup changes constantly. For example, you have to be faster. If you listen to a comedy album of great standup from the 70’s (George Carlin, Bill Cosby, etc.) you will see that there is so much more space between funny lines. And yet back then we thought it was rapid-fire humor. It has become easier for me to talk about any topic I’d like. Back in the early 90’s, once you said you were gay, you had to pretty much talk only about that.

What inspires your standup?

I can’t describe the creative process, although I would love to and people surely do ask. Life happens, I get up, I need to talk about it and make it funny. That’s what goes on. I do not write. I am not like most comics in that way.

Are there any hot-button issues these days that you’d like to give a funny spin?

As we all are, I am upset about the recent spate of teen suicides that seem to be linked to bullying. I would love to find a way to put a humorous spin on it and talk about it, but so far that has eluded me. I think the topic is basically too painful for jokes.

As a native of Lancaster, what’s it like performing close to home?

I think it is important to clarify that I am a native of Columbia. Lancaster is pretty nice, but Columbia is badass and we take pride in that! Coming home to do shows is fantastic for me because my family will be there. I’m close to them and they like it when I mock them. It’s a win/win.

What was it like growing up lesbian in Pennsylvania Dutch Country?

Let’s just say I love birch beer and Tastykakes. I’m a native.

It’s been years since you’ve performed in Philly. Anything you’d like to say to your audience here?

I haven’t been close to Philly for a show in a few years. I hope nothing has changed. I hate change.

Anything that may surprise your hardcore fans?

I don’t think people know I’m a nerd. I’m actually in a book club. I am sort of uncool.

Totally Inappropriate, The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., 610-917-1228, Phoenixville.