This article is an edited version of a piece originally published by the author on Around the World in 80 Plays
by @kristanicki
2025 will mark 56 years since the uprising at Stonewall Inn that sparked the modern movement for LGBTQIA+ rights. With LGBTQIA+ rights under siege by a US federal government hellbent on erasing our trans siblings from both public life and public record, standing with the most vulnerable members of our community is more important than ever. As shown through iconic productions like RENT, Angels in America, and The Laramie Project, theatrical work has the power to shape an entire generation. Throughout the world, there are theatres and festivals committed to making work for, by, and starring queer people. Here are just a few.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Toronto, Canada
Founded in 1979, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is the longest-running queer theatre in Canada. Their work questions gender and social norms and embraces the inherently political nature of art. Their three foundational values are Difference, Excellence, and Community. Check out their current offerings here.
International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, Dublin, Ireland
The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival was founded in 2004 in honor of queer icon and Dublin native Oscar Wilde’s 150th birthday. It emphasizes the work of gay Irish and international playwrights, directors, actors, and other theatremakers.
National Queer Theatre, New York City, USA
The National Queer Theatre in New York City is focused on fostering and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities through performance and social justice. They use storytelling to serve marginalized communities and partake in many partnerships with community organizations. Check out their digital programming here.
Theatre Rhinoceros, San Francisco, USA
The longest-running queer theatre in the world, Theatre Rhinoceros was founded in 1977 in San Francisco. Their mission is to “enlighten enrich, and explore both the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of our queer community.” Learn more and check out their free digital offerings here.
The Theater Offensive, Boston, USA
The Theater Offensive is a theatre committed to create art for the liberation trans and queer people of color that “transcends artistic boundaries, celebrates cultural abundance, and dismantles oppression.” They do work to center youth perspectives and one of their core values is experimentation and innovation.
The Frank Theatre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Frank Theatre has been operating since 1996 and is the “is the oldest professional queer theatre company based on the occupied, stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, colonially called Vancouver, BC, Canada.” They work to challenge Eurocentric, colonial ideas of theatre and center productions that are not only written by and starring 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, but are also queer theatrical forms.
These works ask the question: how can structure and genre be used as a tool for radical storytelling?
