Comedian Lara Rae
Community minded comedian Lara Rae has recently come out with her real identity and encourages others to laugh as she shares her struggles and triumphs on her journey.
All her life, Rae struggled with her identity.
“I decided to present my gender at 52 at this time. My own brain has been transgender since I was born. From a self-conscious standpoint, I knew something was terribly wrong as one of my first memories at four years old,” Rae said.
“I am so excited transgender kids have many more options than what is just going on, than what was available when I was a child in the ‘60’s. Though it was not understood, I was aware of this,” she explained. “I was unable to seek medical relief.”
Rae felt like an outsider. Being a transgender child made her feel even more on the outside and she was bullied as a youth.
This past July, Rae made the transition and began the next part of her journey.
“The people in my life have stayed with me, particularly my family. Some people don’t get that kind of level of acceptance, and some people, no acceptance at all, which is terrifying.”
In return for this support, Rae enjoys helping others especially those who may not ‘get a seat at the table’.
“When I am performing, I am doing what I do,” she explains. This seems to all come natural to Rae – to enlighten others, and to contribute to the community.
She has helped Big Daddy Tazz with shows in support of the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, a comedy night with the Winnipeg East AM Rotary Club in support of CNIB, and other fundraisers for non-profit organizations.
Her work also involves being on Just for Laughs as well as hosting at Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra performances.
This year marks the 15th annual Winnipeg Comedy Festival for which Rae is Co-Founder and Artistic Director. Frantic Films, which has taken over the Festival from CBC, produces programs and selects talent for the popular event. Click here for more information or to buy tickets.
Comedian Lara Rae performs in several shows at this year’s Winnipeg Comedy Festival.
Upcoming Lara Rae shows include, The Winnipeg Show on Apr. 6, 2016, 7:30 p.m. at Gas Station Arts Centre. Tickets are $10 plus applicable online service fees. Click here to buy tickets.
Born This Way on Apr. 7, 2016, 7:15 p.m. at Pantages Playhouse Theatre. Tickets are $37 plus applicable online service fees. Click here to buy tickets.
CBC’s The Debaters on Apr. 9, 2016, 2 p.m. at Club Regent Event Centre, 1425 Regent Ave. W. Tickets are $30 plus applicable online service fees. Click here to buy tickets.
“BLT” Comedy Show on Apr. 9, 2016, 10:30 p.m. at Gas Station Arts Centre. Tickets are $15 plus applicable online service fees. Click here to buy tickets.
Click here for more information on Rae’s performances at this year’s Comedy Festival,
To read more about Lara Rae’s story, click on the following links: Lara Rae learns the foundations of makeup, Meet our Friday host comedian Lara Rae, Lara Rae untangles the complicated world of bras, Lara Rae: changing gender can get pretty hairy.
