Pride Month Comedy Compilation: Paris Sashay, Jared Goldstein, Gianmarco Soresi, Maddie Wiener & Emma Willmann

Comedians Paris Sashay, Jared Goldstein, Gianmarco Soresi, Maddie Wiener, and Emma Willmann have released a Pride Month compilation special titled #donttellcomedy, marking the first major LGBTQ+ themed project from the group behind the viral Don’t Tell podcast. The 45-minute stand-up and sketch special, premiering June 20, 2026, features original material from the five performers and is available exclusively on the Don’t Tell Comedy YouTube channel and Patreon platform.

The special follows the success of the Don’t Tell podcast, which has amassed over 10 million downloads since its launch in 2024. According to a statement from the production team, the compilation aims to “celebrate queer joy and resilience” while addressing contemporary issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. “We wanted to create something that feels both personal and universal,” said Paris Sashay in a pre-recorded interview with The Advocate.

Key segments include Sashay’s stand-up routine on dating apps, Goldstein’s sketches on workplace inclusivity, and Soresi’s monologue about family acceptance. Wiener and Willmann contribute to a collaborative sketch exploring gender identity in public spaces. The special also features a reading of letters from LGBTQ+ fans, curated by the performers.

Why This Special Matters in 2026

This release comes amid heightened cultural conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. A 2025 report by GLAAD found that only 12% of major comedy specials featured openly LGBTQ+ creators, despite growing audience demand. The #donttellcomedy special fills this gap by centering queer voices in both performance and production.

Soresi noted in a separate interview with Variety that the project was inspired by the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, which limited protections for LGBTQ+ businesses. “We wanted to push back against that narrative with something that’s unapologetically joyful,” he said. The special’s title, #donttellcomedy, plays on the podcast’s original name while subtly referencing the ongoing debate over “don’t say gay” legislation in several U.S. states.

How the Performers Approach Queer Storytelling

The compilation blends stand-up, sketches, and audience Q&A segments, each tailored to the performers’ strengths. Sashay, known for her sharp social commentary, uses humor to dissect dating culture in the queer community. Goldstein’s sketches, meanwhile, tackle workplace dynamics, with one segment parodying corporate LGBTQ+ allyship.

Wiener and Willmann’s collaboration focuses on gender identity, featuring a sketch where characters navigate misgendering in everyday interactions. The duo’s approach contrasts with Soresi’s more introspective monologue, which reflects on coming out to conservative family members. “We wanted to show the range of queer experiences—funny, painful, and everything in between,” Wiener told Out Magazine.

Where to Watch and Support

The full special is available for free on the Don’t Tell Comedy YouTube channel, with a Patreon tier offering bonus content. Proceeds from the Patreon will be donated to The Trevor Project, a youth crisis intervention organization. As of June 20, the YouTube video had surpassed 500,000 views in its first 24 hours, according to platform analytics.

For those interested in the performers’ broader work, the Don’t Tell podcast remains active, with new episodes dropping biweekly. The team has also announced plans for a live tour in select U.S. cities, beginning in September 2026.

For support or crisis resources, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 assistance at thetrevorproject.org or by calling 1-866-488-7386.