Laughing Loud, Living Proud: Meet Killjoy Comedy’s Joanne Tsung

Tattooed, tenacious, and totally hilarious, Taiwanese-Canadian comedian Joanne Tsung is back for Season 2 of Killjoy Comedy, streaming July 25 on OUTtv.com. The docuseries, created by Shana Myara (Well Rounded), is all about flipping the script on what it means to be funny—and Joanne delivers. With jokes that slice through stereotypes and stories that spotlight the power of community, this Vancouver-based rising star is turning punchlines into platforms. We caught up with Joanne to talk comedy, queerness, and claiming space on stage. —Noa Nichol

You were voted third in The Georgia Straight’s “Best of Vancouver” comedian category—what would your campaign slogan be if this were a political race?

I am not going to be original here but I would probably edit the slogan, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” to “From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.” DM me if you know who said it!

“Killjoy Comedy” reclaims the idea of being too much, too real, too everything. What’s the most ‘killjoy’ thing about you in everyday life?

I love this question because the most ‘killjoy’ thing about me is exactly that. I am definitely (for some people) too much, too real and generally too everything. I love it though. I love locking in and getting DEEP. I think sometimes my natural curiosity for people can be off putting but this is also how I  have found some of my closest friends. They reciprocate and together we are everything, everywhere, all the time. RuPaul said, “We’re born naked and the rest is drag”, and I couldn’t agree more! 

In another life, if you weren’t a comedian, what would you be doing instead—and would it involve glitter?

If I wasn’t being a comedian, I think I would have loved to be a food scientist. I love learning about new foods and tasty creations that these wizards come up with! Is glitter involved? Only if it’s edible! 

What’s your comedy writing process—candlelit journal, frantic phone notes, or blurt-it-out-in-the-shower?

100% frantic phone notes. AND voice notes. Sometimes I will message my wife Karla: “IS THIS FUNNY???” and that is how I scroll back to find my ideas! It’s chaotic, but it works! 

If laughter really is the best medicine, what minor illness do you think your comedy could cure?

Covid? Just kidding! You should be vaccinated. But I am happy to tell you some jokes if you’re feeling post vaccine blues. Just let me know which pharmacy you’re at and I can be there in 10-15 minutes.