By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/2/26 – As media partners for Stand Up for Equality on March 4th, The Hollywood Times proudly spotlights an evening where comedy meets civil rights in the most powerful way possible.
I recently sat down with comedian and activist Dana Goldberg to discuss her participation in this important fundraiser benefiting Lambda Legal, the nation’s oldest and largest legal organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ civil rights.
From the moment we connected over Zoom in Los Angeles, Dana made one thing clear: this is more than a comedy show.
It’s community.
It’s resistance.
It’s joy as activism.
“When Lambda Legal calls,” Dana shared, “you show up.”
For Goldberg, blending humor with advocacy isn’t new, it’s foundational. She has long used her platform to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, emphasizing that those with visibility have a responsibility not to “speak for the voiceless,” but to ensure everyone knows they have somewhere to turn.
“Places like Lambda Legal,” she said, “are there to fight.”
Click below for our exclusive interview:
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under renewed attack nationwide, from the trans military ban to threats against marriage equality, Dana believes laughter can fortify a room and mobilize a movement.
The March 4th event features an extraordinary roster of queer comedic talent, including legends like Margaret Cho, Tig Notaro, and Matteo Lane.
Dana spoke passionately about what makes an all-queer lineup different.
“Our existence is political,” she explained. “When you put LGBTQ comedians together, it feels like family. It’s not just separate entities doing stand-up, it’s community.”
She also highlighted the rarity of such inclusive representation in comedy, noting that traditional lineups have historically skewed homogeneous.
“This lineup shows the breadth of our community, people of color, Asian Pacific voices, gay men, trans women, lesbians. We are the majority on this stage. That creates a completely different energy.”
The evening is produced by Emmy-nominated producer Page Hurwitz, whose background in stand-up comedy makes her uniquely suited to create an environment where performers thrive.
“It doesn’t shift the tone,” Dana said. “It creates the tone.”
Goldberg praised Hurwitz for understanding what comics need before stepping on stage and for cultivating an atmosphere where they can flourish. The collaboration between producers, sponsors, media partners, and Lambda Legal ensures that both the laughter and the mission land powerfully.
While the night promises big laughs, its purpose is deeply serious.
Lambda Legal is currently engaged in high-stakes litigation across the country, including fighting:
-
The trans military ban
-
Efforts to strip trans and non-binary individuals of identification protections
-
Potential threats to marriage equality
“These cases cost millions,” Dana explained. “Even small donations make a massive impact.”
Tickets begin at accessible price points, reinforcing that every attendee — regardless of seat location, contributes meaningfully to the cause.
“Every dollar raised,” she said, “helps Lambda Legal continue this fight.”
When asked what she hopes audiences take away from the night; Dana didn’t hesitate:
“Joy. Community. Empowerment.”
She acknowledged the current political climate has been overwhelming, but March 4th is about reclaiming energy and purpose.
“I want people to leave lighter,” she said. “But also ready. Ready to call their senators. Ready to march. Ready to use their voice.”
As for what kind of Dana, we’ll see onstage?
“Gentle Dana, activist Dana, hold-onto-your-seats Dana; they’re all the same person,” she laughed. “There’s a fire under me. I won’t hold punches.”
As media partners, The Hollywood Times is proud to support this dynamic and necessary event. Stand Up for Equality isn’t simply a comedy show; it’s a declaration that joy and justice can occupy the same stage.
On March 4th, laughter becomes fuel.
And community becomes power.
We’ll see you there.
