Margaret Cho has been touring North America with her comedy shows Live and LIVID since February of this year. This show commemorates her 40 years of stand-up comedy. The act is more than just entertainment; she uses her voice and platform to raise awareness about issues that the country is facing, such as racism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, drag panic, and others. “It’s about putting your voice out there to be heard,” Cho explained when asked why she felt it was vital to bring these topics to the forefront of her campaign. She also stated that it is her objective to ensure that communities do not feel alienated in the battle for equality and civil rights.

Margaret spoke with me about how she dealt with her time at home during the epidemic, the tour, why drag is something she also includes in comedy, and her perspectives on today’s political situation over a relaxed and soothing talk.

“It was really strange. I’ve always toured, but never really spent any time in my house,” Cho explained.

Before we went into Live and LIVID, she told me openly that the pandemic was the first time she had spent an extended period of time at her home since she bought it in 2000. “I appreciated the moment to just stop,” Margaret stated. It took some getting used to at first. But it was wonderful to be able to relax at home.” She described how having pets and developing a garden at home made “huge improvements” in her life.

“A time for me to really get grounded in my house and see what home life could actually be,” Cho said of the period. It eventually led to her increasing her meditation practice, which was heightened by the epidemic and house quarantine. She highlighted how the entire event taught her the necessity of putting mental health and overall wellness at the top of her priority list. “As actors and comedians, we are driven daily to be successful, but we have to make sure to stop and take the time to take care of ourselves,” he said.

“I’m here to protect drag queens and drag as an institution,” he said.

Margaret prioritizes drag in her comedy and this tour because she has a strong love, appreciation, and affinity for the drag culture. She added how drag queens are some of her clothing friends and people who have inspired her as a person. “It’s ludicrous and disgusting,” Margaret said of the political action of people vilifying drags. She also expressed her displeasure with their efforts to “dehumanize the drag community.” You could hear the anguish in her voice as she reiterated multiple times, “I just don’t get it.”

She believes drag is more important than ever, especially in the current political context. “Drag is a real commentary on society and gender.” “It’s political and mocks a larger culture that is based on gender,” Cho added. This art form literally combats all of the skewed conceptions, social assumptions, and customs that we frequently mistake for truth. It can be more than just amusing; it can also be thought-provoking.

Divine, Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat, Bianca Del Rio, Trixie Mattel, Katya, Raja, and Alaska are among her favorite past and present drag queens, she informed me.

Margaret is utilizing her wit and voice to fight on all fronts, since she is vocal about issues affecting the trans community. She stated that it is “upsetting to her” when politicians and groups treat the drag and trans communities as if they are interchangeable. “I have a lot of friends that are part of the trans community,” she said.

And, with another joyful beat in her voice, she expressed her admiration for transgender people like TS Madison, Laverne Cox, and Elliott Paige. Their courage and ability to live their truth unabashedly continue to amaze her because they inspire others.

Beyond the fight for LGBTQ rights and people Margaret advocates for other communities and it’s members. She shared her feelings on the recent repeal of affirmative action. “I don’t understand where they have this idea that we are now all coming from a level playing field,” Cho said. She believes the government and people who voted made a tremendous mistake since “we are nowhere near saying we don’t need things like affirmative action.”

With all of this going on, she admires this younger generation for being more vocal, unafraid, and aware of the importance of their platforms. “When you don’t agree with something, you have to say it and let it be heard,” she said. This is the message that stands out when I think of who Margaret Cho is as an entertainer and advocate. Because when was the last time you heard or saw something with which you disagreed and said or did something about it?

Below you will find the dates of the rest of her tour that was extended into 2024.
Tickets can be purchase https://margaretcho.com/tour/

December 21, 2023
Hollywood, CA
Hollywood Improv

February 22, 2024
Milwaukee, WI

February 23, 2024
Indianapolis, IN

March 29, 2024
Philadelphia, PA

March 30, 2024
Pittsburgh, PA

April 11, 2024
Austin, TX

April 12, 2024
Dallas, TX

May 3, 2024
Bellingham, WA