One Thing or Another Podcast #64: From the Archives: Comedy Legend Robin Tyler Joins the Show

We can all use some comic relief today, as well as some wisdom. Enjoy this ‘best of’ from the podcast archives, with legendary comic and activist Robin Tyler. We talk about Robin’s life and career, and get her take on the state of the country.

About Robin Tyler

Robin Tyler is the first lesbian or gay comic to come out on national television, a feminist and pioneer in the grassroots struggle for LGBTQ civil rights and marriage equality in the U.S., and a producer.

She emceed and produced the main stage at three marches on Washington for LGBTQ rights, including the historic first National March On Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979. Tyler coined the phrase “We are everywhere” as a rallying cry for the LGBTQ community.

National marches on Washington for lesbian and gay rights

The first march took place on Oct 14, 1979, and brought between 75,000 and 125,00 LGBT people to the Washington Monument grounds.

Activism

Tyler and her late wife, Diane Olson, sued the state of California in 2001 for the right to be married, launching a seven-year legal battle for marriage equality in the state. After winning their lawsuit, Tyler and Olson became the first lesbian couple to be married in Los Angeles.^[6]

Comedy career

Tyler became the first out lesbian on U.S. national television when she revealed her sexuality on a 1978 Showtime special, The 1st Annual Funny Women’s Show, hosted by Phyllis Diller. She has released two comedy albums, “Always a Bridesmaid Never A Groom” in 1979, and “Just Kidding” in 1985. In her earlier career she was one half of the lesbian, feminist comedy duo, Harrison and Tyler.

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