Jessica Halem may have changed residences over the years—living in cities such as Chicago, Seattle, New Orleans and, now, New York—but thankfully she still has retained the same bawdy, pointed sense of humor.
And she has definitely earned her stripes, sharing the stage with Indigo Girls, Kate Clinton, Margaret Cho, Jill Scott, Justin V. Bond, Dirty Martini and Julie Atlas Muz.
On May 27, Halem will headline "Chigaygo," Laugh Factory Chicago's new premier queer comedy showcase that Scott Duff hosts, at 8 p.m. Before coming back to Chicago, she chatted with Windy City Times about New York City, political correctness and her influences, among other topics.
Windy City Times: So how have you been? We haven't talked in a couple years.
Jessica Halem: I know! I'm great—I'm back in Brooklyn again; I last lived here in 1996.
WCT: So how has it changed?
Jessica Halem: When I lived here in 1996, the hipsters hadn't invaded Brooklyn yet; now, they're here. I work in Manhattan and live here. I love it here—there's so much going on and there's such an interesting mix of people. But it's also very expensive out here.
WCT: The last time I talked with you, you were in New Orleans and we talked about how the city was in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Now, I'm about to ask you how New York City has recovered from Superstorm Sandy.
Jessica Halem: Isn't that crazy? It's like the earth is rising up against us. I have to say New York City is such a resilient place; New Yorkers don't scare easily. However, [Sandy] reminded everyone that we live on an island—we're surrounded by water. You can really see how the developments have taken place and how we use the waterfront. I was on the waterfront last week; it was packed full of people—it was so much fun. Of course, Sandy reminds you to wear your galoshes.
I work for a nonprofit during the day, and we work throughout the neighborhood that was struck by Sandy—and a lot of people were very vulnerable to begin with.
WCT: But with the daytime job, it's nice to see you're still doing comedy.
Jessica Halem: Yes! And the nice thing about being here is that I can have this day job. I can do all the things I want to do: be a political activist, work at a nonprofit and be an entertainer at night. Everyone's like that, and there are so many opportunities to perform—and everyone's really taken me in.
WCT: You talk about being an activist and a comic. Do you see those as entirely separate entities or is there a time when those come together?
Jessica Halem: I don't think I've seen them as separate, and I guarantee the people in Chicago who know me would agree. I've always been both. The only difference is that during the day I probably swear less. [Both laugh.] But I talk about the same things.
When you identify as an organizer—whether it's about a political rally or having a good time—it's all about the same goal. I'm trying to touch people's lives. Even though I don't work in the queer community, per se, during the day, there are still the same issues: being an advocate for people, for the city, for better lives.
As for the swearing, I don't think I've mellowed, and I haven't mellowed about sex. I'm very gratified that I've had the ability to pay my rent and stay busy with good political work—and that people appreciate my comedic sensibilities that I take wherever I go. I'm glad I can [establish] an emotional connection with people—and that's what comedy is about: having that connection, whether it's about making them laugh or think.
WCT: Do you think we are too politically correct, as a society?
Jessica Halem: I don't think... What I think has come of that political correctness is that there's a wider grasp of understanding of the human experience. I think it's a gift. I think that culture has evolved over the last 20 years; even the language has changed—and, for me, that's a good thing.
I see representation more and more. I think [the PC movement] has actually done us a service. We have to make the table bigger [as more people come to it]. What's going on in Chicago that makes you ask that?
WCT: It's something I routinely ask comics, seeing that you all tackle a range of topics. Some people are offended by the issues discussed, as well as by the approaches to those issues.
Jessica Halem: I think there's a lot of territory that a comedian can touch on that other people don't have the language to get to. I think comedy is an opportunity to talk about different things, right? If you're a bad comic with bad values, it'll come across. Even with the best-written joke, if your values are in the wrong place, that will come across. I will know where you're coming from.
But if you're someone who fundamentally loves all people and you're curious about something, that's fine. I think that's what people get anxious about, as well they should. You have to appreciate people's differences; if you can't, then shut the heck up.
Don't get up on stage to complain how the world is changing. Get up on stage and help me understand better how the world is changing, and how I can be a part of it.
WCT: Let's talk about Chigaygo. How did that connection happen?
Jessica Halem: My dear friend Scott Duff is the organizer. Laugh Factory, which is new to Chicago, is very lucky to have gotten Scott, who is a longtime LGBT theater person/organizer/personality. We worked years ago at About Face Theatre, so I've known him forever. He told me they were launching this, and I've been so hungry to see Chicago broaden its comedic traditions. Everyone thinks about Chicago and improv; we need just as many people to support stand-up comedy.
If there's going to be a big comedy venue, you have to make special, fun nights for the gays. The gays will not come out to a regular night. The gays should not be forced to mix with people who do not drink good vodka or sit through a show where there's potentially a comic who says fucked-up shit about gay people, which happens at regular comedy shows all the time. I've been doing this for 15 years. I refused to sit through that. I will pull you off [the stage] and punch you in the face.
I'm also see the new Laugh Factory, which has a long tradition on the West Coast, coming to Chicago and establishing a gay night from the beginning. Plus, they hired a really funny gay guy to put together a regular gay show.
WCT: There's something I haven't asked you, but I'm curious to know: Who are your comedic idols?
Jessica Halem: I have to say, first and foremost is Margaret Cho. I've gotten to see how she works at this. Not only is she funny and political; she's at the top of her game when it comes to radical queer sexual politics. But she, as a career person, is someone to be admired. She's just done so much, and she tries new things.
I have been inspired by Kate Clinton, as well. Again, it's her politics; she's smart and actually being political on stage. She gets queer stuff and what's going on. I wish all young people could experience Kate the way I've gotten to. She's smart and fresh and real.
But from the beginning, my initial inspiration was Richard Pryor, when I was a child. I watched Richard Pryor movies, and I saw Live on the Sunset Strip. It was so inspirational, as someone who wanted to be a white, anti-racist ally—and there's nothing so special as watching a comic talk about being an African-American. To hear Richard Pryor open his heart and soul about racist America was life-changing about comedy as a tool for social change.
WCT: By the way, his son is going to be in a Chicago production while you're in town. Richard Pryor Jr. is playing a closeted husband in Lipstick Goes On Last.
Jessica Halem: That is so interesting! I might have to go to [the Den Theatre]. I can't wait to come back to Chicago. I'll be in town for IML—hell, yeah!
Halem will kick off "Homos A Go Go" Monday, May 27, at the Laugh Factory Chicago, 3175 N. Broadway; see www.laughfactory.com/clubs/chicago .
