Comedian, activist, Margaret Cho kicks off tour in Vancouver

Comedian and activist Margaret Cho is kicking off her new tour in Vancouver Saturday evening.

Performing at the Just for Laughs comedy festival, which is returning for its seventh year, Cho says now is a great time to come back to see live shows.

“I think this is a good time to see any performer that you’re a fan of because everybody is really snatched and ready to go,” she told CityNews.

“It’s really my first tour in a long time and I’m really excited to be back…It’s really something that I’ve missed.”

See you soon #JFLVAN2023 Fam!
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There is still time to get your tickets at https://t.co/FqshZ5syES (link below)!
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— Just For Laughs VANCOUVER (@JFLVancouver) February 15, 2023

But although her shows are aimed at making people laugh, Cho doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting topics.

“Stand-up comedy is something that I always go back to and that I always really treasure…It’s something that is really profound to be able to do it now. But also, there’s a need to talk about the issues that we’re facing,” she said.

Comedian and activist Margaret Cho is kicking off her new tour in Vancouver Saturday evening.(Photo courtesy Just for Laughs VANCOUVER/Sergio Garcia)

“We have violence against drag queens trying to read books to children…There’s so much to talk about, from a place of anger, but also from a place of how do we get out of this? How do we actually figure this out and also not lose it trying to?”

She says the reason she chose to go on tour in the first place is to help further the conversation surrounding topics like ending gun violence and climate change.

“There’s a lot to say. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention,” Cho said.

Cho is celebrating her 40th year in stand-up comedy, and kicking off her new LIVE + LIVID tour at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Multiple comedians are also set to perform at the festival, which runs from Feb. 16 to 26 in Vancouver.